Hello there, I’m Neil Sanderson and I am standing for election for the Aotea / Great Barrier Local Board. For seven generations my family has called Aotea / Great Barrier Island home. I grew up here, left to study on the mainland, and returned nine years ago to live on our family farm in Claris. Since then, I’ve worked at the Aotea Learning Hub in Kaitoke, supporting young people through their secondary school journey.
I’ve served on the Local Board for the past three years. It was an experience that has deepened my understanding of our community, its strengths, and its challenges. I put my hand up because I wanted to give back to the place that raised me. Working with our young people and supporting my family here began my involvement in supporting our community and joining the Board was another way to contribute. I care deeply about Aotea’s future.
The projects I’m most happy to be a part of are those shaped by the community. For example, responding to concerns from our elderly local residents, we were able to upgrade the old Claris walkway into a safer, wider path that improves access for everyone. I am happy to have been a part of our playground and recreation upgrades, including the new basketball and pickleball court at Medlands, designed with input from our young people. These successes came from working together.
I bring a calm, reliable and honest presence to the table, and I’m proud of the way we’ve worked together to get things done, from safer footpaths to upgraded playgrounds and sports facilities that were guided by local input and feedback.
The Barrier is special, not just for its natural beauty, but for the resilience, creativity and care of the people who live here. I believe in backing the community groups who are at the heart of island life, and in tackling challenges like isolation, cost of living, and infrastructure with community collaboration.
My key priorities are:
Education and lifelong learning
Supporting our local education facilities from our youngest to our eldest.
Heritage and environment
Honouring Aotea’s history, from mana whenua to pioneer stories, while protecting our biodiversity and ensuring a balanced environment on land and sea.
Community support
Backing the groups, volunteers and services that keep our island connected, cared for, and safe.
I’m a good listener, act with integrity, and work for the good of the whole island. My focus is on keeping Aotea a place where people look out for each other and where our people and the environment thrive.
If you want a representative who cares deeply about Aotea’s future, listens well, and works to protect what makes our island special then I’d be honoured to have your vote.
Keep it real! Vote Neil!
