I'm Jess Rose, and I'm seeking election to Auckland Council as your representative for the Waitakere Ward. My vision is for a climate-resilient city that is environmentally and economically sustainable and a pleasure to live and get around in, for all ages. I’m part of the progressive Future West team and I’d be honoured to have your vote and support.

I’m a West Auckland resident of over 15 years and have just relocated to be even closer to young family and to the lush green majesty of the ranges. Prior to that I’ve lived in the South Island, and wherever my flatting situation took me across Taamaki Makaurau.

Now, my husband and I live with a couple of spoilt fur babies and usually spend our time working on building our sustainable home. We are handy on the tools, gardening and tree planting included. Doing this mahi in my neighbourhood has given me a far stronger view on ensuring West Auckland remains a place that people and nature can continue to thrive in.

My journey into local government wasn’t exactly traditional. I started out volunteering my time leading community activations. Such things as campaigning for low emissions transport, better housing and creating nicer public spaces that people actually want to spend time in.  This hands-on, people-first approach has stayed with me.  It was during this time I became more aware of the role of Local Government on making decisions and investment in so many of the things that we see and use daily.

Since then, I’ve been successfully elected twice and have a sound understanding of how Council works. Which means I know how to get things done and have a record of achievements I’ve won for my community. I have great reputation for my work ethic, and for my ability to collaborate with others. I have a business degree and an anthropology degree – a good mix when in comes to balancing good common-sense decision making, and how people and communities operate best. I’ve also worked in both private and public sectors across education, housing, and conservation. 

On the Board I’ve worked to integrate climate action into every decision we make: from how we plan our neighbourhoods to how we support local resilience. More (cheaper) public transport, smarter density, and investing in nature-based solutions that cool our city and restore native plants and animals. Some of these projects, The New Lynn to Avondale Shared Path, saving Davern Lane park, making it easier to get an at home water tank, are ones you may have benefitted from. I’m also a big supporter of community planting days and wild coastline clean-ups.  Anything that gets people outdoors and engaged in protecting the taiao (natural world).

I know politics can feel a bit distant or even boring — but it doesn’t have to be. Being your local advocate on council will be a tremendous privilege, and I can’t wait to make real progress for our ward.

If you have any thoughts you’d like to share, please reach out over my community survey and leave your contact details.  I’ll do my best to get in touch. https://forms.office.com/r/U4JbJCRnd5