Former Green MP Denise Roche has been sworn in as the newest elected member of Waitematā Local Board.
Roche, a former member of Waiheke Local Board, said she was looking forward to working with the board.
“Local government is my first love. It is where the rubber meets the road and where we can affect real change.”
Roche said it was humbling to be so warmly welcomed back to the Auckland Council family, particularly with the blessing of tangata whenua, responding to a karakia by making her statutory declaration in te reo Māori.
“Tāmaki Makaurau is the most special of places and to be able to contribute here in Waitematā is a privilege.”
Local government is not new to Helensville-born Roche, who has an extensive background in union-related works, having gained a diploma in labour studies.
She was Auckland City Councillor for the Hauraki Gulf Islands from 2007 to 2010, the same year she was elected to Waiheke Local Board as a top-polling candidate.
Her interest in environmental issues has seen her work for the Waste Resources Trust, promoting responsible waste disposal and recycling on Waiheke; and in education, as a trustee of Te Huruhi School.
Roche also has a graduate diploma in not-for-profit management.
Her parliamentary career began in 2011 when she entered Parliament on the Green Party list, but she was not returned from the list at the 2017 general election.
The City Vision member fills the vacancy left by the resignation of Mark Davey and will take the community development portfolio, and a co-portfolio role in Environment and Infrastructure with board member Rob Thomas.
Local board chair Pippa Coom said gaining a member with the experience Roche would bring was positive. “All of us are looking forward to what you will add to the board.”
