About Me

About Me

About Me

I have three adult sons, three grandchildren, a cat (Lilly), and a dog (Charlie) and currently live in Massey.

In 2016, I was elected onto the Waitakere Licensing Trust, an organisation that operates liquor stores and hospitality venues around West Auckland and returns their profits to the community. I’m also a Health and Safety Consultant, past Chair of the local Community Organisation Grant Scheme (COGS), a current member of the West Auckland Local Distribution Committee, and Secretary of the Massey Birdwood Settlers Association (residents and ratepayers). With a drive to continue learning, I qualified recently with a diploma in Professional Practice Occupational Health and Safety, and am certified to undertake Health and Safety audits of businesses'. I strive to help the community in any way possible, which is why I want to represent you on the local board. Through more transparency, we can have better roadside parking and dog friendly parks. 

Background

I moved out West at the age of 10 to attend Freyberg Memorial School and, later, Rutherford High School. I became involved in community affairs such as going door-to-door collecting for the blind, school librarian assistant, and helping my father with Rotary projects. Leadership, governance, and getting involved in organising events was already part of my DNA.

I have always had a keen interest in motorsport, participating in motorkhana’s, autocross, hill climbs, and Clubman racing competitions from a young age. I became Secretary of the Henderson Miniature Motor Racing Club, member of the local Rotaract club, and won the Rotary Youth Leadership award. 

Later on, my wife and I had three wonderful children, so I decided to focus more on the long-term support of my family. 
 
As my career developed, I became even more involved in the wider community - from supporting local schools to environmental sustainability. 
Achievements
  1. Trustee Waitakere Licensing Trust Lincoln Ward (2016 to 2019) 
  2. President Waitakere Rotary Club (2016 to 2017)
  3. Director of Projects Henderson Rotary Club (current)
  4. Secretary Henderson Community Patrols (CPNZ) (Current)
  5. Health and Safety consultant with Securo (2015 to present)
  6. Elected to Chair Keep NZ Beautiful (2015 to 2017)
  7. Current Board member Keep NZ Beautiful
  8. Executive member Auckland branch NZ Institute of Safety Managers (2014 to 2015) 
  9. Chair Community Organisation Grants Scheme COGS (2013 to 2016)
  10. Current member local distribution committee Community Organisation Grant Scheme (COGS) (administered by Department of Internal Affairs)
  11. Deputy Chair, then elected to Chair Massey Community Board (2004 to 2010)
  12. Secretary of the Massey Birdwood Settlers Association (2002 to present) 
  13. Waitakere City Councillor (1999 to 2001)
  14. Helped start the Avondale Sunday Market 
  15. Treasurer, then Deputy, then elected to Chair Board of Trustees Massey High School (1992 to 2001) 
  16. Former Board Member and Chair Don Buck Primary Board of Trustees (1992 to 2016)
  17. Secretary Birdwood Primary School Committee (1987 to 1989)
Together we can have better roadside Parking!
John Riddell 
Share by: