Cultural plurality and ethnic diversity are the hallmarks of the Communities and Residents (C&R) Group candidates for Puketapapa at the forthcoming Local Body election due to be held on October 12, 2013.
C&R Ward Leader and Councillor Christine Fletcher said, “These talented and community-minded candidates will represent our local issues in a manner that respects the diversity and challenges the Puketapapa face.”
The team comprises the following persons, with their profiles provided by Campaign Chair Roley Rackley.
Peter Muys with his wife and family has lived in Roskill for 33 years. A member of the current Puketapapa Local Board, he is committed to ensure that Roskill gets the resources to upgrade its commercial and shopping centres, a beginning of which was made with the Stoddard Road development three years ago.
Richard Barter has served on a local school board and is a Neighbourhood Support Coordinator. He is also a Trustee of the Migrant Action Trust and has represented Mt Roskill four terms both on the Community Board and as current Chair of the Puketapapa Local Board. He has managed poverty alleviation projects in India for 18 years. He is committed to ensuring that residents and their families enjoy a safe, accessible and healthy environment with the right Unitary Plan zoning.
Michelle Hala became an active member of the Mt Roskill community 16 years ago. She volunteered for Mt Roskill Police Projects and assisted in pioneering community initiatives. With dynamic leadership and strategic vision, she is passionate about being an active voice for the diverse peoples of the resident communities.
Matt van Tuinen is the Northern Regional Manager of World Vision. Father of three, he serves on the Board of Trustees, is active in the community through his Church and has a business background. He is passionate about delivering helpful common sense to the issues of housing affordability, transport and financial responsibility and fighting rate increases.
Ella Kumar is a Physical Health Wellbeing Educator and Instructor, currently on the Puketapapa Local Board. She is committed to the Roskill community and believes that Local Community Board representatives are voices of all communities, ensuring the best outcomes. She has lived in the area for 26 years and hence has a long association with the Roskill community. She is engaged with many schools and sporting clubs.
Nigel Turnbull is a long-serving local Police Officer and has been on the Mt Roskill Community Board for two terms and is now the Deputy Chair of the Puketapapa Local Board. He works as the Chief Executive of the ‘Police Youth Development Trust Community Approach’, which provides youth and social service support for youth offenders and their families. He is keen to ensure that we live in a cohesive community that safe to live, work and play. He is a firm believer in fair, transparent and prudent governance.
Photo : The C&R Puketapapa team (from left) Peter Muys, Richard Barter, Michelle Hala, Matt van Tuinen, Ella Kumar, Nigel Turnbull
