Josie Heap Rainer for Waiheke Local Board

Connecting People. Protecting Waiheke. Planning the Future.

We know that Tourism is part of our reality, and it needs to support our motu and give back. I’ll advocate for visitor levies to come back to the island to be invested locally in our community and infrastructure, and back sustainable tourism that creates steady, year-round business. The Destination Management Plan that will be under consultation soon, is one of our most important tools - giving us good data, helping us connect different voices, and guiding how we balance community needs, environmental protection, and visitors. That balance is central to Protecting Waiheke and Planning for the Future.

I don’t believe my role is to arrive with all the answers, but I do believe in showing up, listening first, and doing the mahi, listening to residents, mana whenua, and community groups doing the mahi, and then advocating clearly with Council so those voices are heard and resourced fairly. I want the Board to feel/be open and approachable. That means clear communication, more chances for locals to shape decisions before they’re made, and updates people can use. The Board should be a platform for community voices. We have open meetings, but we need more town hall events and tools like surveys - online or even via text - to make participation easier.

At the heart of it, I’m here to connect people, protect what makes Waiheke special, and plan for a future where we can all thrive especially our tamariki and elderly. I’ll show up, I’ll listen, and do the mahi - not with all the answers, but with a commitment to advocate clearly and work alongside those already doing the work.

My focus is simple: Connecting People, Protecting Waiheke, and Planning the Future — protecting what we love, and planning for what we need.

VOTE AUCKLAND Q&A

What you will do if elected?

I’ll be a voice for our whole community (including all our neighbouring islands in the Hauraki Gulf), listening, balancing needs, and making sure Waiheke’s priorities are heard. My focus is keeping Waiheke liveable: secure housing, strong community, supporting youth and older residents, and making tourism sustainable so it gives back. I’ll back the work already underway on the Destination Management Plan so we have the data and united voice to secure a fair share of funding.

Key skills and qualities

I’m a connector and communicator with 20+ years in community, marketing, and stakeholder roles. I listen, bring people together, and make things happen. I worked for Uniservices, the Commercialisation company of the University of Auckland for 10 years, connecting research with business and goverment. On Waiheke I’ve served the community as the Waiheke Connect (Chairperson), Artworks Theatre (Board), and the Gymnastics Club (Treasurer). I work with Waiheke Winegrowers (Comms/Secretary) and co-run W3 - the Wonderful Waiheke Wāhine network. I was the Event Manager for Sculpture on the Gulf 2024 and the current Secretary and Communications Manager for the Waiheke Winegrowers Association. I also co-ran Waiheke Recruitment. I bring communication skills, local insight across diverse sectors, and a make-it-happen attitude.

Top three priorities

1. Keep Waiheke liveable so families, youth, older residents, and local businesses can thrive.
2. Protect our land, water, and biodiversity, backing the 40+ local groups already doing this mahi.
3. Complete the Destination Management Plan - our united voice for sustainable tourism and the evidence we need to justify fair funding and guide investment.

Transport priorities

Ferries are our lifeline, yet Waiheke trips remain among Auckland’s highest per-km transport costs. I’ll back momentum for full integration into Auckland’s public transport network so fares are fair and services reliable. I’ll also support safer walking and cycling, like a pathway on the Onetangi Straight, making it easier and safer to get around.

Water management

Waiheke relies on rainwater tanks, and climate change is bringing more droughts and downpours. I’ll support the Local Board’s work on water resilience by backing strong wastewater and stormwater management to keep our beaches clean, and by supporting rainwater storage, wetlands, and streams that protect our ecosystems and supply.

Urban development & heritage

Growth must reflect Waiheke’s unique character, protecting landscapes, heritage, and coastline. I’ll back housing that meets local needs, support balanced land use for residents and businesses, and ensure development adds to community wellbeing rather than putting pressure on it.

Protecting natural spaces

I’ll support mana whenua, particularly Ngāti Paoa, and the many local groups working on pest control, planting, coastal care, and protecting the Hauraki Gulf. Waiheke already has dozens of volunteers restoring habitats, and backing this mahi builds resilience and ensures future generations inherit a healthy, thriving island. I’ll also support all efforts to eliminate Caulerpa.

Building strong communities

I’ll back projects and facilities that bring people together, through shared spaces and the long-awaited community pool. Building on the Local Board’s support for health and wellbeing, I’ll advocate for youth opportunities, recreation, and services that connect and care for older residents.

Economic growth & heritage

Tourism can be a force for good when it supports our community. With nearly a million visitors a year, we need a strong case for visitor contributions like the wharf tax to be reinvested in Waiheke. The Destination Management Plan will give us the data and united voice to justify that reinvestment and guide where it should go. I’ll back local businesses, culture, and community projects so the island thrives year-round.

Māori outcomes & other priorities

I’ll work with mana whenua, particularly Ngāti Paoa, to weave culture and heritage into our island life through naming, signage, and Māori-led projects. Building on existing partnerships, I’ll support opportunities that ensure local stories and culture guide how we welcome visitors and shape Waiheke’s future.