David Bishop, 24, commonwealth games medallist and gymnastics coach at Tri Star Gymnastics Club, Lynfield A safe and friendly place
What do you like best about Lynfield?
I love how Lynfield is in a little cove and that it is blocked off by Hillsborough Rd. It means that people don’t pass through Lynfield but rather they are there because they live there or are specifically visiting Lynfield. I think this is what makes it such a safe and friendly place.
How long have you lived here and where are you originally from?
I have lived in Lynfield my entire life except for a year I spent living in Germany with my family when I was 6 years old.
What do you like least and how can we fix it?
I wish the tennis club was open to the public, even just on Sundays. I guess something would need to be arranged between the club and the council.
Where’s the best place to buy dinner in Lynfield?
Probably the Japanese place, Sushi Zen.
And who does the best fish and chips?
Up in Blockhouse Bay there’s a good one on the main street.
Who is the Kiwi you admire the most and why?
I really admire my coach David Phillips, and the rapper David Dallas.
David Phillips is just a genuinely good guy who has done so much for me and the gymnastics community. He is such a great role model and someone I look up to very much.
David Dallas’ lyrics were really inspiring to me, he is a real New Zealander who isn’t afraid to be ambitious. Not only to dream big, but also to go out and make those dreams a reality. His lyrics taught me to have confidence in myself and my ability and just go for it.
If I was Auckland’s mayor I would....
Be more frugal with ratepayers’ money and try to prioritise spending on what we need first, before focusing on what we want. I think it’s stupid how Auckland Council is considering scrapping the $3.7 million, three-year-old Te Wero bridge and building a $25 million replacement.
The spot I would recommend to tourists is...
A nice 20 minute walk through the forest to the Kitekite Falls at Piha beach.
When I have a few hours spare I like to...
Catch up with a friend, play tennis or go and throw a ball around – preferably on the beach.