Note: these profiles were supplied by candidates and were those available by deadline. The committee has a maximum of nine members plus the chairperson.
Robin Binsley. I am standing for a third and final year as chair of the Trust and regard myself as just taking my turn, following on from many more noted citizens in the past who have given their time to represent the community on local and regional issues. I am particularly proud that KRRT was, in 2006, part of a strong and ultimately successful lobby to the select committee that overturned the decision by Waitakere City to abolish our rural Waitakere Ward. The issue of democratic representation is one that individuals and families might think about when they read this and for a moment consider what they want for their community and environment. I am sure not many would want local decisions made by people who had never set foot on our little patch of paradise. The KRRT is the 'political' arm of our volunteer services out here and committee members are elected to represent the interests and aspirations of the community over a wide variety of issues. Sometimes there is a conflict of interest and a bit of a fuss and compromises made, but on the whole, not much is noticed of the many issues the Trust deals with each year. And that's the way we all want it, because not all change is good change for Karekare. I have two wishes for the year ahead; the first is that the Surfclub advance their plans for the new clubhouse. Whilst it must have been incredibly difficult for them to have the expecta tions of environmentally minded people to contend with, the site on the beach is a privilege and a responsibility and the right building in the right place should get a green light as soon as possible. The other is representation on KRRT. Some committee members are standing again with reluctance, wanting to move on to other things. I know parents of young families are the most committed group in the community, but we do need a voice from this sector - they are the future of Karekare - and its social life! The coffers are in reasonable shape, we need someone to organize a good community party! Have a good Easter break and see you at the AGM.

John Edgar. I am standing again for the committee having served for the past two years. My experience includes 20 years as a Karekare resident, 14 years as Karekare Shellfish Survey coordinator, 10 years as President of The Waitakere Ranges Protection Society, and 30 years as an artist. I have a good working relationship with the local and regional council and a commitment to protecting and conserving the natural environment of Karekare.

Matthew Grove. I have been fortunate to live most of my life in Karekare, and was a founding pupil of Lone Kauri School. I have a Degree and Diploma in Computer Science from Auckland. I'm a keen tramper, camper and mountain biker and have a wide variety of computer skills. I work in our family's hardware business, Grove Mitre 10. I have been a member of local fire brigade for over 15 years. I'm also involved in the organisation and running of the local beach races. I am the current KRRT secretary.

David Munro. I am currently on the KRRT ctte and I preceded Robin Binsley as Chair. I am 45-years-old and have lived at Karekare for 27 years with my wife Susie and our six children. I work in Queen St as an Employment Relations Consultant and I am a patrolling member of the Surf Club. I am happy to serve again on the ctte although my capacity to contribute is limited by other commitments to work and family including chairing the Board of Trustees at Henderson High School. KRRT is a feisty and vibrant organisation with a proud history of 'boxing above its weight'. Big issues over the last year that we have had a positive influence on include the Waitakere Ranges protection legislation, the ward boundaries review, roading and transport policy; and then there is the raft of more intimate local issues that span toilets (both domestic and public), beach access and pest-and-weed control to name a few. Being part of the local community in an organisation like KRRT is important and rewarding (usually!) Sometimes a KRRT meeting is the best show in town! We saw that at our November ctte meeting last year which swelled beyond the usual attendance of seven or eight members and community board reps to almost 50. There were a lot of passionate Karekare people at that meeting and I really hope that some of them will have the time and inclination to put themselves forward for the ctte. I know that within the surf club we are 'pullingout- the-stops' to encourage other good interested clubbies to step up and be active with KRRT but as with all of us it is a matter of finding the time! Here's hoping though. I look forward to another successful and rewarding year for KRRT.

Mike Nixon.I am standing for environmental and visual concerns. Karekare is a microcosm of wider battles, and has been the loser from decisions made over the last few years in particular, without reference to the KRRT and Karekare Management Plan. It is important to have a strong and united KKRRT if the values that Karekare holds dear ,are to continue, such as a vista unspoilt by built structures and not dominated by vechicles. The Karekare Management Plan has been largely ignored by the Waitakere City Council. Although it has no legal standing, the values in it are as true as the day it was written. That document is one that I stand on, as the area will be and is being altered irrevocably by the powers that be that have their own agendas, often shortsighted and politically motivated. The one size fits all approach we have been forced into adopting re signage, power companies, toilets etc, is one that will ultimately result in the loss of Karekare's unique character, and the loss of the quality of life there. As one resident said recently, "I can't imagine living anywhere else!" We must draw a line in the sand, and stop any further compromises of the values and environment that makes Karekare so special and treasured by others. I would rather stand down than have to compromise. There is no future in that and history has shown what happens when beachside communities compromise and allow so-called progress. That progress is not inevitable, we still have the power to determine the future of Karekare. That is what I am standing for.