Environmentalist seeks re-election to the Kaipātiki Local Board
Anne-Elise Smithson is standing with Shore Action for re-election to the Kaipātiki Local Board. “I promised greater protection of our environment and our Local Board is now leading the way for Auckland Council. But we need to do more to tackle the climate crisis,” says Smithson.
Long-term, Smithson wants to see the establishment of a North Shore Environment Centre. She says, “I’m proud of the incredible achievements of our volunteer networks. I would love to see a new facility shared by multiple environmental groups so they can expand their work and reach more people in our community”.
The Kaipātiki Local Board has overseen a nearly 40% increase in environment funding. The 2018/19 Environmental Funding Boost initiatives include:
• Small Sites Ambassador programme: tackling sedimentation and improving building site compliance
• Industry Pollution Prevention: assisting local businesses to reduce their impact on waterways in Birkenhead, Beach Haven and the Wairau Valley
• Stream Quality Monitoring: providing data at eight sites
• Pest-Free Kaipātiki: a big boost for pest removal together with habitat and species restoration
• Kauri Dieback Strategy for Kaipātiki
• Open Space Management Plan: kick-starting a plan to protect and enhance our local parks and reserves
• Increased support for park volunteers
• A contribution to Auckland Council’s Ngahere (urban canopy) strategy.
• A ‘park naturalisation’ project for pollinator paths and natural meadows.
• Continued support for Kaipātiki Project initiatives
Further information:
ourauckland.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz...
Anne-Elise Smithson grew up on the North Shore, studied Ecology at Auckland University and works as a Trusts and Philanthropy Executive for the Starship Foundation. Known locally as ‘Stream Girl’, Smithson believes healthy ecosystems help our communities flourish.
Poll: 🤖 What skills do you think give a CV the ultimate edge in a robot-filled workplace?
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Robots are stepping into repetitive roles in factories, plants and warehouses. AI is taking care of the admin tasks that once filled many mid-level office jobs.
We want to know: As the world evolves, what skills do you think give a CV the ultimate edge in a robot-filled workplace?
Want to read more? The Press has you covered!
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53.7% Human-centred experience and communication
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14.6% Critical thinking
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29.1% Resilience and adaptability
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2.6% Other - I will share below!
Poll: Should complete designs be shared with the public, or should the community help shape the designs from the start?
The Post recently shared an opinion piece on the Harbour Crossing and why a more democratic approach might be needed 🚗🚲👟
While most decisions sit within the political arena, many organisations—like NZTA—manage long-term projects that go beyond party lines. Politics can sometimes disrupt progress, and the next Harbour Crossing is a big decision that will affect all Aucklanders.
We’d love your thoughts: Should near-complete, shovel-ready designs be shared with the public, or should the community have a hand in shaping the designs from the start?
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81.3% Community feedback and transparency is needed.
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18.7% No. This would be impossible in practice.
Have you got New Zealand's best shed? Show us and win!
Once again, Resene and NZ Gardener are on the hunt for New Zealand’s best shed! Send in the photos and the stories behind your man caves, she sheds, clever upcycled spaces, potty potting sheds and colourful chicken coops. The Resene Shed of the Year 2026 winner receives $1000 Resene ColorShop voucher, a $908 large Vegepod Starter Pack and a one-year subscription to NZ Gardener. To enter, tell us in writing (no more than 500 words) why your garden shed is New Zealand’s best, and send up to five high-quality photos by email to mailbox@nzgardener.co.nz. Entries close February 23, 2026.
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