Long time Maungakiekie Tamaki resident and local board chair Josephine Bartley will launch her bid to become an Auckland councillor this Saturday 20 Jan 2018.

With eight years of experience in local body politics Ms Bartley wants to bring her knowledge of the local community and its needs, plus experience on the local board to the region’s governing body. She was first voted on to the local board in 2010.

Her campaign kicks off this Saturday at the Marist Clubrooms at Mt Wellington’s War Memorial Reserve.

Ms Bartley says she wants to work on the needs of local people and making Maungakiekie Tamaki the best place for its diverse population and residents.

“I know what’s needed from better transport and and housing to safety, environment and parks and places to play.”

There’s lots to be done she says and part of that is keeping an eye on aligning what’s needed with the budget.

“There’s also a lot that I’ve learned on the local board that will enable me to be an effective councillor serving the whole region.”

She says Auckland is important and having another councillor from a diverse background will strengthen the work of the governing body.

Ms Bartley has experience at the Ministry of Consumer Affairs, is a qualified lawyer and with the Police and community leaders set up the safety patrols that are helping residents in her ward.

She says the launch is open to the community and will feature speakers like boxer David Tua, entertainment from the dynamic Cindy of Samoa plus her family’s band.

Tickets are $20 and the launch which is family friendly runs from 6-9pm on Saturday 20 January.

© Scoop Media