Rob Thomas Media Release

A new candidate for the Waitemata Gulf Ward

Former Youth Council Chairperson Rob Thomas submitted his nomination today as Councillor for the Waitemata Gulf Ward. The Waitemata Gulf Ward stretches from Western Springs to Parnell and includes the Gulf Islands.

"I started my journey for Council over 12 years. I believe our ward needs an independent voice with a fresh perspective on local issues."

Rob turns thirty in October and he's keen to make the city a young and vibrant place.  Rob said "I think it's important to have some young blood on the council - the average age of our ward is 31." Rob wants the region to develop an arts and culture strategy to reinvigorate the inner-city .
 
Rob grew up in Newmarket, is a local Rotarian, and a University of Auckland graduate. 

What Rob lacks in age he doesn't lack in experience. Rob helped develop Auckland's first youth policy and raised $23,000 through ten community boards for eight youth concerts, including a concert with New Zealand band Fur Patrol in Myers Park. Rob has first hand experience developing Auckland's rail on the Britomart project and reviewing performance of council business units in Wellington and the City of Westminster in London.

Rob's number one campaign issue is the reduction of sewage in the Hauraki Gulf "When it rains heavily in Auckland there is untreated wastewater discharging into our harbour, it's disgusting". Rob thinks this is the largest environmental issue facing the region and there needs to be a long-term regional plan to make swimming safer at Auckland's beaches.

Rob has been door knocking for four months now and says the response has been overwhelmingly positive.

Rob is holding a series of five community meetings in early September called “ Keeping it local ” . This is an opportunity for people in the ward to meet and talk about local and regional issues:

Wednesday, 1 Sep, 5-7pm - Grey Lynn Community Centre
Thursday, 2 Sep, 5-6pm - Parnell Community Centre
Friday, 3 Sep, 5-6pm - St Mary's Bay - Leys Institute
Monday, 6 Sep, 5-7pm - City Centre - Pioneer Women & Ellen Melville Memorial Hall
Tuesday, 7 Sep, 5-7pm - Oneroa, Waiheke Island - Red Cross Building

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