Sir John Walker still running in 2016

It’s more than 40 years since Sir John Walker won gold in the 1500m at the Montreal Olympics and he is showing no signs of slowing down in his recent campaign video. The video, shot on location in Papakura and Manurewa, features the Auckland councillor running at his former training ground at Manurewa’s Jellicoe Park, as well as revisiting his former family home on Dreadon St.
“Jellicoe Park was where I first ran a mile in under four minutes so it was special to be able to have another run there all these years later,” he says.

The video also features his campaign running mate and fellow councillor, Calum Penrose, who wasn’t sure about having to front for the camera
“I’m not usually into this kind of stuff but John and I share the vision that Manurewa and Papakura are great places, full of special people and we thought that was something we should share with the voters.”

The pair have had a busy term at Auckland Council; Calum with restructuring Auckland’s by-laws from 158 complex and sometimes contradictory local laws to a simplified and far more practical 20. Sir John has been concentrating on advocating for more funding for his “Field of Dreams” programme which saw over 20,000 kids receive free swimming lessons, something he is keen to expand should he be re-elected.
“There is funding for kids to have free access to swimming pools, but this is not going far enough. I want to see this funding turned into swimming lessons at our Council owned recreational centres so that the spread is city wide and can have more focused results.”

He also sees Auckland South as having huge potential to be a powerhouse for Olympic training squads with the new WERO white water centre providing a world class facility for kayakers as well as harnessing the athletic prowess in abundance.
“We need to empower our youth and show them that being from Manurewa and Papakura gives you a special edge, but in doing so need to give them the support they need with coaching and mentoring, both of which Field of Dreams already offers but could definitely expand on,” Sir John says.

Penrose is also looking to implement his ongoing vision for the ward. “Our town centres need a revitalisation and support to attract more business to the area.”

He sees the recently signed Unitary Plan, supported by both John and himself, as being the key to seeing this happen.
“Low rise apartments in the town centres of Manurewa/Papakura are in demand and we want to work with developers to see it become a reality. In turn this will bring restaurants, cafes and other retails opportunities. With excellent public transport options and more job growth locally, we can provide for people who work in or out of the area, either way they can be part of what is a great place to call home.”

View the campaign video here - https://youtu.be/H3BcgEJDPwU

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