I have lived and brought up my family in Albert-Eden since moving here in 1986 to work as a
lawyer. Whilst I love living here, I know there are ways we can change and improve. We
urgently need to reduce carbon emissions, travel times and road accidents, so I continue to
support better public transport, safer cycling, and have worked with community on
addressing pedestrian safety on New North Road. I successfully initiated Albert Eden Local
Board’s adoption of a Climate Action Plan, and support funding high impact environmental
programmes including tree planting, eco-neighbourhoods and volunteer stream restoration
projects.

I support working with Kāinga Ora on their developments to improve social housing, and
changes in council planning rules to allow more housing close to where people need to go
for work, education and services. I also support funding for diverse community groups and
services for vulnerable people, including people who need local mental health and disability
services, and swimming lessons for children from lower income households. I ensured that
support for renters’ education about their rights is now included in our local board plan, and
continue to advocate for more public green spaces for people living in apartments and town
houses to relax, meet others and connect with nature.

Community understanding of local government needs to be improved, and I support more
transparent decision-making and plainer-English and more multi-language consultation. I
support forward-looking financial investment in infrastructure, especially related to waste
and storm water, and increasing our ability to survive the effects of climate change.
It is a privilege to serve a second term and continue to contribute from my earlier
experiences, which include working as a volunteer with a community law centre, children’s
sports, performing arts, school boards of trustees and disability organisations.

Contact details

 julia.maskill@aucklandcouncil.govt.nz