Mark Allen

I’ve lived out west almost my entire life. Over those years, one of the cornerstones of our community has been the Waitākere Licensing Trust—our largest social enterprise, responsibly distributing alcohol and a vital funder of local services, clubs, schools, events and spaces. I’m running again because I believe the Trust can be an even stronger responsible business and deliver even more community good.

This last term we have set the organisation onto a stronger path. We have provided higher quality franchise stores with more choice and better value for our dollars.

We have cut over $7m in internal costs, increased our “giving back”, fixed our buildings, paid the living wage, developed a property plan, and invigorated our risk management and health and safety initiatives. In Waitakere we expanded the Swanson store and are about to open a new store in Northwest. All whilst responding to storms, a degrading economy and a tightening regulatory world.

The Trusts need to give more money back as well as continue to refresh and grow our venues to keep up with our rapidly growing and changing community. I want to return to continue driving that momentum forward. I’m also passionate about creating more youth retail and hospitality learning pathways and more strongly supporting community hospitality to be more successful, and profitable.

I’m proud of how far we’ve come—and even more excited about where we’re headed. Let’s keep building a Trust that truly serves the west.

Please vote for me.