Two of Aotea / Great Barrier’s Local Board members have said their farewells after deciding not to stand for re-election.
Sue Daly and Luke Coles attended their final local board meeting as members on Tuesday 27 September, where they reflected on their time on the board.
Sue has served four terms which amounts to more than a decade on the board. She was the Deputy Chair from 2013-2016, as well as Chair of the Environment Committee for the same period.
“It’s been absolutely brilliant being on the local board. The biggest thing I’ve learned is how important relationships with local people and groups are,” says Sue.
Luke describes Sue as “that person you’d want to be picked for your group if you were doing a group project at school”, explaining that she always does her homework and is well prepared.
Luke has served two consecutive terms (six years), both of them as Deputy Chair. He has also been a Waste Advisory Group representative.
“The team are awesome; it’s been an amazing environment,” says Luke.
“I really appreciate the people I work with, and the board have such a great relationship. I’m really thankful for that.”
Some of the board’s biggest achievements over the past two terms of which both Sue and Luke were serving include the establishment of the successful Aotea Learning Hub and ECE, and delivery of a strong freshwater management programme.
The board supported the creation of many island-based roles including a food sustainability coordinator, community garden coordinator, construction and demolition waste advisor, and an iwi liaison role.
International Dark Sky Sanctuary status was achieved to protect the island’s night sky, while the sealing of Sandhills, Kaiaraara and Puriri Bay roads resulted in smoother, safer journeys for locals.
Development of an Aotea Great Barrier Island Visitor Strategy, and delivery of a village parks activation plan, including the pou proposal, were completed.
Sue and Luke provided continued stable support for community groups such as health, welfare, marae, arts, environment, education, and tourism organisations to do their good work.
Both members were thanked for their service to Auckland Council and the communities of Aotea / Great Barrier at the final meeting.
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