What are Licensing Trusts?
Licensing Trusts are a community-owned model unique to West Auckland and Southland. They were set up to give local people control over alcohol and to make sure profits don’t go offshore — but are reinvested back into the community.

What is the Portage Licensing Trust?
The Portage Licensing Trust covers Avondale, New Lynn, Glen Eden, Kelston, Titirangi, Green Bay, and Blockhouse Bay.

How is Portage managed?
The Portage Licensing Trust doesn’t run stores and venues directly. They are managed by West Auckland Trust Services Ltd (WATS) — a company jointly owned by the Portage and Waitākere Licensing Trusts. Portage is a 50% shareholder in WATS.

Why do you support amalgamation?
Amalgamating would cut duplication, save major costs, and make the Trusts more efficient. It means streamlined decision-making, less chance of misalignment, and stronger alignment with our community. Most importantly, those savings go straight back into the community where they belong.

What about local voices if the Trusts merge?
Amalgamation doesn’t mean losing local representation. Trustees would still be elected by their communities — it just means the structure behind them is leaner and more efficient.

What are your thoughts on a poll?
We support asking the community what they want to do. The Trusts ultimately belong to West Aucklanders, and a referendum is the right way for people to decide whether to continue with the monopoly or open the market to competition.

At the same time, we believe it’s vital to ensure the Trust structure is set up to thrive under competition. That means structural reform so that no matter what choice the community makes, the Trusts are in the best position to succeed.

What’s your stance on gaming machines?
Pokies can cause real harm, especially in lower-income communities. Our goal is to see our venues strong enough to survive without pokies, so we can reduce reliance on them and build a healthier hospitality model.

What’s your stance on alcohol harm?
Alcohol can cause harm, and the Trusts give us the ability to manage it more responsibly than private operators. We support strong compliance and fewer outlets in vulnerable areas.

Why is hospitality such a priority for you?
Hospitality is an important part of a thriving community — it’s about vibrancy, identity, and social cohesion. We want to refresh tired venues, support good operators, and create spaces West Aucklanders are proud of.

What’s your policy on community giveback?

The Trusts mechanism for community grants is slow and inconsistent. We support creating a stand-alone community foundation with significant seed capital. It should be standalone and seperate from the Trusts business operations. This community foundation will have a giveback formula so giving is automatic and transparent.

Are you politically aligned?
No. We are independent and not part of any political party. We believe the Trusts should be represented by everyday people, not partisan agendas.

Can I vote for you? Do I live in Ward 1 (City Ward)?
You can vote for us if you live inside Ward 1 (City Ward). Check the map below to see if your address is within the boundary.