Anna Parks puts hand up for council
Anna Park is one of the youngest Taupo Tongariro ward councillor in chambers, but if she is successful this election, she will also be one of the most experienced.
Park has put her hand up for re-election after already serving two terms on council.
‘‘I think it’s important to have young people on council to represent Taupo,’’ Parks said. ’’But I believe you need to have some experience to bring to the table.’’
A mother herself, Park wants to move Taupo forward while making it a safe place for children of all ages.
‘‘My family has a long association with the area and I am passionate about this district’s future,’’ she said. ’’I love this place and want to use my experience to grow the district for future generations.’’
That experience includes using her knowledge of local council process to find solutions to problems.
Park said the the Taupo Electricity limited and Taupo Generation limited fund (TEL) could be used to further both of these goals. This fund was initially used to subsidise rates but has recently been used to fund community projects.
‘‘Around 2021 the TEL fund will have close to $68 million and be generating $3.6 million for community projects,’’ she said. ’’I would like to have a project which will be a space for teenagers to hang out, have music jams, like a cafe.
‘‘Currently there is no place for teenagers to go to.’’
With local government reforms on the horizon Park said it is important to have councillors who are able to ensure central government is using buzz words to amalgamate councils.
‘‘I am quite skeptical of the local government reforms and I will be fighting back to protect our patch to ensure that central government’s intentions are what they say,’’ she said.
Healthy living is another string to her council bid bow.
‘‘I am committed to be the champion for Taupo in a commitment to the Healthy Families NZ initiative by removing sugary drinks from vending machines at our community facilities,’’ she said.
‘‘This has recently been adopted by Auckland City Council and I endorse the call that it challenges communities to think differently about how to address underlying causes of poor health.’’