C&R Announces Strong Team For Waitematā Local Board
Press Release – Communities and Residents
Communities and Residents (C&R) is pleased to introduce its strong team of seven candidates standing for the Waitematā Local Board in the 2025 Auckland Local Body Elections.
Incumbents Sarah Trotman ONZM, Greg Moyle and Allan Matson, have been re-selected, and are joined by new C&R nominees Michele Wade, Leo Grachev, Muy Chhour, and Anne Batley-Burton.
The challenges facing the Waitematā Local Board are significant – from transport, intensification and crime; to the Hauraki Gulf, city parks, and the future of Auckland's City Centre. C&R's team is committed to representing you openly and effectively, ensuring your voice is heard.
Each of C&R's candidates brings a wealth of experience – ranging from business and heritage preservation; to social services, environmental protection, and animal welfare. This broad-based team has the transferable skills and community insight that have been missing from an ideologically driven board.
'We are committed to work hard for the people of Waitematā, restoring accountability and putting the local community first. With fresh ideas and a strong local focus, we will put our community and residents at the centre of our decision making – you can count on it,' says the C&R Waitematā Local Board team.
Candidate Profiles:
Michele Wade – A Herne Bay resident for over 25 years, Michele's experience has ranged from being a secondary school teacher to running her own successful fashion business. Having decided to ' stop complaining and get in the action ', her focuses include financial prudence and environmental protections, and she believes in proactive, practical local governance. Michele supports removing wasteful spending, delivering projects on time and budget, accountability to ratepayers, heritage protection, reducing congestion, and protection of the Hauraki Gulf. Michele's whakapapa connects her to Tainui, Ngāti Mahuta, and Ngāti Pūkeko.
Sarah Trotman ONZM – First elected in 2019 and rated, in that term, as the most effective Waitematā Local Board member, Sarah is a strong community advocate, ensuring core services and infrastructure are delivered with intergenerational sustainability and value to ratepayers. She has lived locally for 20+ years; her children attended Marist Herne Bay and Ponsonby Intermediate. Sarah is an effective business leader, director and celebrant. Sarah was recognised with a Queen's honour for services to business and community. She brings the ability for robust discussion, keeping organisations accountable and authentic consultation.
Greg Moyle JP ED – A lifelong Waitematā resident, Greg has served on the Auckland City Council and three terms on the Local Board. A former policeman and now a successful financial adviser, he is involved in numerous community organisations and is passionate about strong local body representation for residents and ratepayers; and promoting a community in which we can all enjoy living. If re-elected, Greg will fight to abolish crime and anti-social behaviour in the CBD and to protect our recreational and community facilities, iconic shopping precincts and our built and natural environments.
Allan Matson – A City Centre resident, current Waitematā Local Board member and heritage expert, Allan transitioned from merchant banking to architecture. He has served as President of Civic Trust Auckland and has held roles on Council's Heritage Advisory Panel and the boards of NZ Historic Places Trust and CBD's Heart of the City. With over 20 years' experience in heritage consulting, Allan is focused on better governance, more prudent public spending, greater protection of our built heritage and character, and responsible guardianship of our environment for the benefit of all Aucklanders.
Leo Grachev – Passionate about making Waitematā the best place to live and work, Leo is a next generation leader. The son of hardworking immigrants and with experience in supporting business development, he champions small business owners. Leo recognises the need to address antisocial behaviour and make our city centre and suburbs safer. Leo believes council can do better to deliver more cost-effective, democratic solutions and that something must be done to get Auckland out of gridlock. ' There is a responsibility to deliver for those who call this place home '.
Muy Chhour – Having been involved in business most of her life, from serving customers at the family dairy to managing 11 Asian supermarkets around Auckland, Muy brings deep business experience to the team. For 5 years, Muy served as Chairperson for the Karangahape Road Business Association. She is passionate about making our city more live-able and safer not only for businesses but for all who travel in it whether by car, public transport, bike or foot. Muy's experience brings a balanced, common-sense approach to resolving issues in our city.
Anne Batley-Burton – A Parnell local who has been involved in business from an early age, as the first credit card manufacturer in Australasia to importing Champagne and wine barrels, Anne brings decades of entrepreneurial experience. She is known for her integrity, determination, common sense and getting things done. Her major concerns surround crime and congestion, which are destroying the fabric of our city. A leading voice for animal welfare through educating the community about care and responsibility for their pets, Anne is the Founder of The New Zealand Cat Foundation.
About C&R:
Existing for over 85 years, C&R is a voluntary grass-roots association of members and is the longest-standing political group in Auckland's Local Government. We believe Auckland has the potential to be one of the world's greatest cities and are proud to stand for responsible spending, intergenerational sustainability, accountable local representation, and putting people before politics.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Scoop
2 days ago
- Scoop
C&R Announces Strong Team For Waitematā Local Board
Press Release – Communities and Residents Communities and Residents (C&R) is pleased to introduce its strong team of seven candidates standing for the Waitematā Local Board in the 2025 Auckland Local Body Elections. Incumbents Sarah Trotman ONZM, Greg Moyle and Allan Matson, have been re-selected, and are joined by new C&R nominees Michele Wade, Leo Grachev, Muy Chhour, and Anne Batley-Burton. The challenges facing the Waitematā Local Board are significant – from transport, intensification and crime; to the Hauraki Gulf, city parks, and the future of Auckland's City Centre. C&R's team is committed to representing you openly and effectively, ensuring your voice is heard. Each of C&R's candidates brings a wealth of experience – ranging from business and heritage preservation; to social services, environmental protection, and animal welfare. This broad-based team has the transferable skills and community insight that have been missing from an ideologically driven board. 'We are committed to work hard for the people of Waitematā, restoring accountability and putting the local community first. With fresh ideas and a strong local focus, we will put our community and residents at the centre of our decision making – you can count on it,' says the C&R Waitematā Local Board team. Candidate Profiles: Michele Wade – A Herne Bay resident for over 25 years, Michele's experience has ranged from being a secondary school teacher to running her own successful fashion business. Having decided to ' stop complaining and get in the action ', her focuses include financial prudence and environmental protections, and she believes in proactive, practical local governance. Michele supports removing wasteful spending, delivering projects on time and budget, accountability to ratepayers, heritage protection, reducing congestion, and protection of the Hauraki Gulf. Michele's whakapapa connects her to Tainui, Ngāti Mahuta, and Ngāti Pūkeko. Sarah Trotman ONZM – First elected in 2019 and rated, in that term, as the most effective Waitematā Local Board member, Sarah is a strong community advocate, ensuring core services and infrastructure are delivered with intergenerational sustainability and value to ratepayers. She has lived locally for 20+ years; her children attended Marist Herne Bay and Ponsonby Intermediate. Sarah is an effective business leader, director and celebrant. Sarah was recognised with a Queen's honour for services to business and community. She brings the ability for robust discussion, keeping organisations accountable and authentic consultation. Greg Moyle JP ED – A lifelong Waitematā resident, Greg has served on the Auckland City Council and three terms on the Local Board. A former policeman and now a successful financial adviser, he is involved in numerous community organisations and is passionate about strong local body representation for residents and ratepayers; and promoting a community in which we can all enjoy living. If re-elected, Greg will fight to abolish crime and anti-social behaviour in the CBD and to protect our recreational and community facilities, iconic shopping precincts and our built and natural environments. Allan Matson – A City Centre resident, current Waitematā Local Board member and heritage expert, Allan transitioned from merchant banking to architecture. He has served as President of Civic Trust Auckland and has held roles on Council's Heritage Advisory Panel and the boards of NZ Historic Places Trust and CBD's Heart of the City. With over 20 years' experience in heritage consulting, Allan is focused on better governance, more prudent public spending, greater protection of our built heritage and character, and responsible guardianship of our environment for the benefit of all Aucklanders. Leo Grachev – Passionate about making Waitematā the best place to live and work, Leo is a next generation leader. The son of hardworking immigrants and with experience in supporting business development, he champions small business owners. Leo recognises the need to address antisocial behaviour and make our city centre and suburbs safer. Leo believes council can do better to deliver more cost-effective, democratic solutions and that something must be done to get Auckland out of gridlock. ' There is a responsibility to deliver for those who call this place home '. Muy Chhour – Having been involved in business most of her life, from serving customers at the family dairy to managing 11 Asian supermarkets around Auckland, Muy brings deep business experience to the team. For 5 years, Muy served as Chairperson for the Karangahape Road Business Association. She is passionate about making our city more live-able and safer not only for businesses but for all who travel in it whether by car, public transport, bike or foot. Muy's experience brings a balanced, common-sense approach to resolving issues in our city. Anne Batley-Burton – A Parnell local who has been involved in business from an early age, as the first credit card manufacturer in Australasia to importing Champagne and wine barrels, Anne brings decades of entrepreneurial experience. She is known for her integrity, determination, common sense and getting things done. Her major concerns surround crime and congestion, which are destroying the fabric of our city. A leading voice for animal welfare through educating the community about care and responsibility for their pets, Anne is the Founder of The New Zealand Cat Foundation. About C&R: Existing for over 85 years, C&R is a voluntary grass-roots association of members and is the longest-standing political group in Auckland's Local Government. We believe Auckland has the potential to be one of the world's greatest cities and are proud to stand for responsible spending, intergenerational sustainability, accountable local representation, and putting people before politics.
Scoop
3 days ago
- Scoop
C&R Announces Strong Team For Waitematā Local Board
Communities and Residents (C&R) is pleased to introduce its strong team of seven candidates standing for the Waitematā Local Board in the 2025 Auckland Local Body Elections. Incumbents Sarah Trotman ONZM, Greg Moyle and Allan Matson, have been re-selected, and are joined by new C&R nominees Michele Wade, Leo Grachev, Muy Chhour, and Anne Batley-Burton. The challenges facing the Waitematā Local Board are significant - from transport, intensification and crime; to the Hauraki Gulf, city parks, and the future of Auckland's City Centre. C&R's team is committed to representing you openly and effectively, ensuring your voice is heard. Each of C&R's candidates brings a wealth of experience – ranging from business and heritage preservation; to social services, environmental protection, and animal welfare. This broad-based team has the transferable skills and community insight that have been missing from an ideologically driven board. 'We are committed to work hard for the people of Waitematā, restoring accountability and putting the local community first. With fresh ideas and a strong local focus, we will put our community and residents at the centre of our decision making – you can count on it,' says the C&R Waitematā Local Board team. Candidate Profiles: Michele Wade – A Herne Bay resident for over 25 years, Michele's experience has ranged from being a secondary school teacher to running her own successful fashion business. Having decided to " stop complaining and get in the action", her focuses include financial prudence and environmental protections, and she believes in proactive, practical local governance. Michele supports removing wasteful spending, delivering projects on time and budget, accountability to ratepayers, heritage protection, reducing congestion, and protection of the Hauraki Gulf. Michele's whakapapa connects her to Tainui, Ngāti Mahuta, and Ngāti Pūkeko. Sarah Trotman ONZM – First elected in 2019 and rated, in that term, as the most effective Waitematā Local Board member, Sarah is a strong community advocate, ensuring core services and infrastructure are delivered with intergenerational sustainability and value to ratepayers. She has lived locally for 20+ years; her children attended Marist Herne Bay and Ponsonby Intermediate. Sarah is an effective business leader, director and celebrant. Sarah was recognised with a Queen's honour for services to business and community. She brings the ability for robust discussion, keeping organisations accountable and authentic consultation. Greg Moyle JP ED – A lifelong Waitematā resident, Greg has served on the Auckland City Council and three terms on the Local Board. A former policeman and now a successful financial adviser, he is involved in numerous community organisations and is passionate about strong local body representation for residents and ratepayers; and promoting a community in which we can all enjoy living. If re-elected, Greg will fight to abolish crime and anti-social behaviour in the CBD and to protect our recreational and community facilities, iconic shopping precincts and our built and natural environments. Allan Matson – A City Centre resident, current Waitematā Local Board member and heritage expert, Allan transitioned from merchant banking to architecture. He has served as President of Civic Trust Auckland and has held roles on Council's Heritage Advisory Panel and the boards of NZ Historic Places Trust and CBD's Heart of the City. With over 20 years' experience in heritage consulting, Allan is focused on better governance, more prudent public spending, greater protection of our built heritage and character, and responsible guardianship of our environment for the benefit of all Aucklanders. Leo Grachev – Passionate about making Waitematā the best place to live and work, Leo is a next generation leader. The son of hardworking immigrants and with experience in supporting business development, he champions small business owners. Leo recognises the need to address antisocial behaviour and make our city centre and suburbs safer. Leo believes council can do better to deliver more cost-effective, democratic solutions and that something must be done to get Auckland out of gridlock. ' There is a responsibility to deliver for those who call this place home '. Muy Chhour - Having been involved in business most of her life, from serving customers at the family dairy to managing 11 Asian supermarkets around Auckland, Muy brings deep business experience to the team. For 5 years, Muy served as Chairperson for the Karangahape Road Business Association. She is passionate about making our city more live-able and safer not only for businesses but for all who travel in it whether by car, public transport, bike or foot. Muy's experience brings a balanced, common-sense approach to resolving issues in our city. Anne Batley-Burton – A Parnell local who has been involved in business from an early age, as the first credit card manufacturer in Australasia to importing Champagne and wine barrels, Anne brings decades of entrepreneurial experience. She is known for her integrity, determination, common sense and getting things done. Her major concerns surround crime and congestion, which are destroying the fabric of our city. A leading voice for animal welfare through educating the community about care and responsibility for their pets, Anne is the Founder of The New Zealand Cat Foundation. About C&R: Existing for over 85 years, C&R is a voluntary grass-roots association of members and is the longest-standing political group in Auckland's Local Government. We believe Auckland has the potential to be one of the world's greatest cities and are proud to stand for responsible spending, intergenerational sustainability, accountable local representation, and putting people before politics.
NZ Herald
20-05-2025
- NZ Herald
China's J10-C jets in spotlight after Pakistan-India conflict
While China pours hundreds of billions of dollars into defence spending each year, it lags far behind the United States as an arms exporter. China's drones are used in counter-terrorism operations, and its weapons have been deployed by Saudi Arabia in Yemen and against rebel forces in African countries, Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) senior researcher Siemon Wezeman told AFP. 'But this is the first time since the 1980s that a state has used large numbers of Chinese weapons of many types in action against another state,' said Wezeman, referencing the Iran-Iraq war when they were used on both sides. 'Primary option' Pakistan accounts for around 63% of China's arms exports, according to conflict and arms-research institute SIPRI. In the recent fighting, Pakistan used the J10-C Vigorous Dragon and JF-17 Thunder planes, armed with air-to-air missiles. It was the first time the J10-C has been used in active combat, said the Stimson Centre's Yun Sun. Islamabad's air defences also used Chinese kit – including the HQ-9P long-range surface-to-air missile system – and deployed Chinese radar as well as armed and reconnaissance drones. 'This was the first sustained fight where the bulk of Pakistan's forces used Chinese weapons and, basically, relied on them as their primary option,' said Bilal Khan, founder of the Toronto-based Quwa Defence News & Analysis Group. India has not officially confirmed any of its aircraft were lost, although a senior security source told AFP three jets had crashed on home soil, without giving the make or cause. Rafale maker Dassault has also not commented. The Rafale is considered one of Europe's most high-tech jets, while the J10-C 'is not even China's most advanced', said James Char from Singapore's Nanyang Technological University. But if Pakistan's claims are true, 'this should not be surprising... considering that the Rafale is a multi-role fighter, whereas the J-10C was built for aerial combat and is also equipped with a stronger radar,' Char said. The Chinese air defence systems, however, 'do not appear to have been as effective as the Pakistan Air Force would have hoped', said Quwa's Khan, after India said it had neutralised one near the eastern border city of Lahore. If true, said SIPRI's Wezeman, that 'would be a bigger success and more than balance the loss of some aircraft in the process'. 'Significant reorientation' In the days after the dogfight reports, J10-C maker Chengdu Aircraft Company's stock soared over 40%. 'We most likely will see more orders going to Chinese contractors,' said the Stimson Centre's Sun. However, 'it will take time and significant reorientation by Chinese arms manufacturers for the country to be a big arms exporter', said Jennifer Kavanagh from the US think tank Defence Priorities. She noted that China 'cannot mass-produce certain key inputs, including aircraft engines'. Wezeman said he thought the stock markets 'overreacted', as 'we still have to see how well all the weapons used worked and if it really means much'. Even if more data emerges, the conflict still does not reveal much about the Chinese military's own capabilities, the analysts said. China's own systems and weapons are much more advanced than what it exports. And while having high-tech hardware is important, 'much more important is how those weapons are used', said Kavanagh. Brian Hart of the Centre for Strategic and International Studies said he would caution against 'reading too much' into recent developments. 'I don't think you can make direct comparisons to how these Chinese-made systems would fare in different environments against more advanced adversaries like the United States,' he explained. 'Since the number of data points is small and since we don't know much about the proficiency and training of the personnel on either side, it is hard to draw definitive conclusions.'
