1,177,000
Given back to our community in 2025
About Your Trusts
The Trusts is made up of the Portage Licensing Trust (PLT) and Waitākere Licensing Trust (WLT). Everything we do is about keeping things local in our communities. That’s why surplus profits from our stores and hospitality venues go right back into local schools, community groups, businesses and people who are dedicated to helping our place thrive.
Owned by the community. Run by the community. For the community.
Our Values
We exist to support our local community. The Trusts live by values that are not only crucial to us but also to the community we serve.
These principles underpin the way we do business every day. At the heart of how we operate, our values are the touchstones for how we work together. They drive our focus, guide our decisions and shape our goals. Being part of The Trusts means being part of a caring team dedicated to supporting amazing work in The West.
Our values are built on a business model committed to managing the socially responsible sale and supply of alcohol.
Principles and Ways of Working
The Trusts are proud to be community owned and that the profits from the businesses are returned to benefit local communities. The Trusts value our close connections across the community and see our mandate to operate as a privilege.
The new strategy and funding approach has a priority focus on supporting communities where the most impact can be made. We will focus our support on organisations that are aligned to this.
As our funding grows, we will invest more in strategic, innovation and impact
grant-making. By increasing the amount of funding available to the community, building strong partnerships and investing well into community initiatives, we believe the impact from The Trusts will be greater.
Locals working for locals.
The history of The Trusts is embedded with West Auckland and nearby communities. We are passionate about meaningfully and visibly contributing to community wellbeing and improved quality of life.
The predicted growth in our funds means that we can retain our investments into a range of sectors and activities that support the wellbeing and community fabric of our region. As funds increase, we can also explore ways to address the key challenges in our role that will benefit our region’s people intergenerationally.
Proactive & responsive.
Across our funding portfolio we deliberately balance different ways of making decisions about investing into community – both being proactive to identify opportunities where The Trusts funding can make a difference and staying open to respond to community requests.
Collaboration with funders & community.
We believe we can achieve more with others, and we want to continue working collaboratively with stakeholders in our region. We value community connectedness and can play an enabling role to support collaboration at a community level.
We have the flexibility to use The Trusts’ resources alongside other funders, making larger scale and high impact initiatives possible and more impactful. We know that the large systemic challenges facing our region are complex and interconnected. They require investment that is strategic and joined-up.
Growing capacity for greater & community.
We are ready to test new ways of funding and supporting our community. We will learn how we can be more effective. We have a medium appetite for risk. We will support innovation.
We need to develop the capacity and capability of The Trusts to be more intentional in the way we work. A memorable & popular funder. As liquor licensing trusts we need to maintain our ‘social license’ to operate. We need to provide clarity, clear guidelines, and communicate the impact of our funding to our community. We need be easy to apply to and work with.
Guided by our communities & evidence of need.
Our region’s growth and diversity mean that the needs of our community are continually changing. We recognise that areas of our community have greater needs than others.
We proactively use data and evidence – including regular
community feedback – to determine community needs and aspirations and to inform our strategic approach. As a funder, we need to stay flexible and responsive to stay relevant and impactful.
Enabling communities.
We believe in empowering communities to lead change and value the leadership role that the community sector plays in supporting communities to thrive.
We therefore see significant value in supporting the sector’s resilience and capability.
Our Area
Our People
All of our people share one common goal: to help communities in The West to thrive. This goal is shared by both staff working in our retail and hospitality venues as well as elected members.
Allan Pollard
Chief Executive Officer
I started in the hospitality industry as a dishwasher and have worked as a waiter, duty manager and venue manager right through to being CEO. For me what makes The West such a wonderful place is the sense of community.
Email: allanp@thetrusts.co.nz
Phone: 027 493 3507
Lee Clark
Executive Assistant
A proud daughter of The West since 1970. Married with 2 beautiful daughters and 4 gorgeous grandkids. For the past 17 ½ years I have been Executive Assistant at The Trusts, supporting the management and Boards of this valuable community asset.
To me, The West means totally unique, fabulously quirky people, beautiful ranges to explore, a windswept walk on the rugged west coast or a summertime dance across the hot black sand to find your perfect spot. Our place. Home.
Email: leec@thetrusts.co.nz
Phone: 027 564 6096
Amanda Cassidy
General Manager – Hospitality and Marketing
I have 20 years marketing experience across FMCG and retail in NZ and am proud to utilise my expertise at The Trusts to make great things happen in West Auckland.
West Auckland is my home and my community since I moved here with my husband and four kids from Christchurch in 2019. There are so many things to do and enjoy and we love getting out and experiencing them.
Email: amandac@thetrusts.co.nz
Phone: 0272262251
Aaron Walding
General Manager – Retail
A sports nut and customer experience fanatic!
What The West means to me is diversity! From the cultural diversity to the Ranges to the black sand beaches. These are the things that make West Auckland such an incredible place.
Email: aaronw@thetrusts.co.nz
Phone: 0275 297 199
Oonagh Hall
General Manager- Human Resources
As an experienced leader within Human Resources, I am passionate about enabling everyone to do their best work and recognising people’s talents and strengths. I enjoy partnering with business to create innovative and effective solutions with a focus on fostering a positive culture and engagement to drive success for all.
My passions outside working hours include mountain biking and walking. My happy place is definitely the beach.
To me, The West is a wonderland full of nature and breathtaking beaches. It is the perfect place to unwind and escape city life.
Richard Simmonds
General Manager of Finance and Business Systems
I am an experienced CFO with 30 years of accounting experience covering manufacturing, freight forwarding, retail, and hospitality sectors in both the United Kingdom and New Zealand. I am passionate about developing teams, coaching and mentoring, and using technology to make businesses more effective and efficient.
To me, West Auckland is memories of long summer days body surfing at Piha in my 20s.
Email: richards@thetrusts.co.nz
Phone: 0274895102
Portage Licensing Trust
The Portage Licensing Trust operate industry leading retail and hospitality venues in the “Portage” area of The West.
We are 100% community owned, which means profits go straight back into Glendene, Kelston, Glen Eden, Kaurilands, Titirangi, Laingholm, Parau, Cornwallis, Huia, Little Huia, Whatipu, Green Bay, New Lynn, Avondale, Waterview, Blockhouse Bay, New Windsor & Owairaka, (west of Richardson & Boundary Rds).
Portage Elected Members
Every three years, as part of the local body elections, people in The West vote for members of the community to represent their views on the licensing trust of the area they live in. The members elected to each trust are the community’s voice and an essential link between the community ownership of The Trusts and the management of the commercial businesses of The Trusts.
Greg Presland
President Portage Trust & WATS Elected Member Director
Why are you interested in the Trusts?
I appreciate the great deal of good that the trusts achieve for the community and believe that they have a positive effect on the supply of alcohol locally. Without The Trusts and the amount of community support they have provided over an extended period of time West Auckland would not be the same.
What would you like to see The Trusts do?
I believe they can increase the amount of grants made to the community by increasing their efficiency. Their financial performance is important. But what is also important is the long term benefits for West Auckland that the Trusts have offered.
Tell us about yourself ?
I have been a westie for the last 38 years. I have practiced law out west for even longer. I have been around local government for a couple of decades.
What do you love about living in West Auckland?
All of it! Living in a sub-tropical recovering rain forest, West Coast Beaches, our arts institutions, bush walks, our local cafes and restaurants and most important my fellow West Aucklanders!
Email: greg.presland@mylawyer.co.nz
Phone: 021 998 411
Mark Graham
Deputy President
Why are you interested in the Trusts?
I’m keenly interested in wellbeing and healthy communities, and anything that sees funding going back into schools and groups doing good work out there. The Trusts lie at the centre of all these things.
What would you like to see The Trusts do?
I’d like to see the Trusts provide better hospitality outlets that attract more people, so we can give back more. I’d like to see the Trusts expand their operations to provide a wider range of services to the community, too.
Tell us about yourself ?
I’m a 3rd generation kiwi, brought up in Laingholm and Titirangi in my formative years. I love Auckland, and the West in particular. I’ve worked in advertising and publishing and had a professional interest in the restaurant trade. I’ve been a DJ and I made it to the Commonwealths and Olympics in my sport – springboard diving.
What do you love about living in West Auckland?
These days I live in Waterview – close enough to town to enjoy its offerings, but close enough to my loved West Coast beaches and the bohemian delights of Titirangi.
Email: mark@graham.net.nz
Phone: 021 304 840
Rob Hulse
PLT Elected Member
I grew up in the west and have spent my career working with and supporting the hospitality industry. I’m a big fan of our New Zealand coffee industry and love our food scene. I’m a parent of three young children so we are always busy on the weekends with sports, ballet or out in the Waitakere Ranges.
I joined the licensing trust to help develop hospitality in the west. With eighteen years in hospitality, this is my area of expertise, and this is where I want to make a difference. Our community out west is proud of our towns and will judge the trust by how vibrant their local hospitality scene becomes.
I hope to see new energy in the way we do hospitality. Coming out of the disruption that the last few years have seen, the west is ready for more variety and excitement in what we can enjoy in our neighbourhoods. By its nature, hospitality moves fast so we have a real opportunity to deliver this in our term.
Email: hulserobert@gmail.com
Phone: 027 836 1053
Margi Watson
WATS Elected Member Director
Why are you interested in the Trusts?: The Portage Licensing Trust is part of the west. Being a large employer, a supporter of the community and a responsible alcohol related business are key to making it relevant to everyone, whether they drink alcohol or not.
What would you like to see The Trusts do? Make a stronger future for everyone and make good use of the assets that they hold on behalf of the community
Tell us about yourself! Totally family orientated. Originally trained as a nurse and over the years involved in community, schools and in governance both locally and regionally. I am passionate about empowering and supporting our people, organisations and communities. They are what make our area the best it can be.
What do you love about living in West Auckland? I love my local spaces and parks, from Te Auaunga Oakley Creek to Avondale Markets and to the beach at the Bay, but mostly I enjoy being around the people who make our community unique and home
Email: margiwatsonnz@gmail.com
Phone: 09 8200 288
Ben Goodale
PLT Elected Member
A globally awarded advertising and marketing professional, Ben has lived in Titirangi for over 20 years.
To me the West is: An oasis of beaches, forest and nature on the edge of the best city in the world.
Email: ben@interesting.nz
Phone: 09 816 8161
Michelle Lucke
PLT Elected Member
Why are you interested in the Trusts?
I’m passionate about the Trusts’ unique role in supporting responsible hospitality while returning value directly to our community. It’s a model that genuinely benefits West Auckland, and I want to help strengthen it.
What would you like to see The Trusts do?
I’d like to see the Trusts deepen community engagement, increase transparency, and support initiatives that make a real difference for local families and neighbourhoods.
Tell us about yourself ?
I’m a West Auckland parent and community leader with experience in a variety of governance roles, including as a member of the Waitākere Ranges Local Board. I’m committed to strong, fair decision-making that reflects our community’s values.
What do you love about living in West Auckland?
I love the strong sense of community, the creativity and diversity of our people, and the incredible natural environment that makes West Auckland such a special place to live.
Email: michelle_lucke@hotmail.com
Phone: 021413400
Belinda Allen
PLT Elected Member
Why are you interested in the Trusts?
I’m interested in the Portage Licensing Trust and The Trusts because it brings together commercial success, community wellbeing, and responsibility. The Trust has a unique role in returning value to the community, supporting alcohol harm prevention, and operating as a genuinely local, democratically accountable organisation.
I’m passionate about seeing the Trusts led by Westies, for Westies, grounded in our communities, reflective of the people we serve, and focused on delivering real benefits locally. That kaupapa really resonates with me. I’m motivated by work that creates tangible outcomes for whānau and our wider West Auckland community, and I’m excited to contribute governance experience, commercial thinking, and a strong community lens as an independent voice.
What would you like to see The Trusts do?
I’d love to see the Trusts continue to strengthen the link between commercial performance, community impact, and alcohol harm prevention.
My focus is on:
- making funding opportunities clearer and easier for communities to access
- ensuring equity, transparency, and accountability in how funds are distributed
- maintaining strong responsibility around alcohol and supporting harm prevention
- applying commercial discipline so the Trust remains sustainable
- being clear about goals for giving back, including career pathways and local opportunities
For me, success looks like safer communities, stronger organisations, and real long-term benefits flowing back into West Auckland.
Tell us about yourself ?
I live in Kelston with my whānau and our kuri. I whakapapa to Ngāpuhi and Ngāti Hine, and while my whānau are from both Southland and Northland, West Auckland is home.
My background spans governance, law, policy, and commercial leadership, including health and economic development. I’m people-focused, values-driven, and comfortable in both boardrooms and community spaces. I’m a Team player for Portage and The Trusts, and am committed to bringing a strong democratic voice for Kelston West and representing the interests of our local community.
What do you love about living in West Auckland?
West Auckland has heart. I love its diversity, creativity, and salt-of-the-earth people.
There’s a strong sense of community here – people look out for each other and support what’s local. I love the whenua, the Waitākere Ranges, and the west coast beaches, and the way nature, culture, and urban life come together.
West Auckland is rich in resilience, culture, and potential, and that’s what makes contributing here feel so worthwhile.
Email: belindaallen.portage@gmail.com
Phone: 021 53 1824
Michael Bain
PLT Elected Member
Why are you interested in the Trusts? I believe in the importance of having a community voice on how we deal with alcohol and its effects in our community. The Trusts have a dual mandate for the safe and responsible sale of alcohol in our area, and the return of profits back into the community. This dual socially responsible role is a strength of the Trusts and West Auckland, and is something I want to see continue.
What would you like to see The Trusts do? I would like to see us work on increasing what we return to the community. For me the adage of “Westies supporting Westies” is a foundational element to this. I also think that as well as a return of profits into the community, the Trusts are in a unique position to support our rangatahi through social investment initiatives. Finally, I am keen to see the Trusts build a stronger relationship with mana whenua as we work towards build a strong West Auckland.
Tell us about yourself! I am a solo father of two teenagers and have lived in the New Lynn / Blockhouse Bay / Avondale South area for most of the last 18 years. I am currently working on my PhD at AUT, exploring the intersection between identity, family history and the wider New Zealand historical story. I have formerly worked in broadcast news, and in public relations for both local government and iwi. My children have been schooled in the area through Chaucer Primary, Blockhouse Bay Intermediate and Green Bay High School. I enjoy heading out for walks in the Waitākere Ranges, spending time with friends.
What do you love about living in West Auckland? I love the combination of both the amazing and beautiful Waitākere Ranges Regional Park where I have spent a lot of time hiking, and our amazing and diverse communities. Seeing both of those expressed through the arts and cultural sector is a real delight.
Email: mikejbain@outlook.com
Phone: 021 0224 8078
Joe Bergin
PLT Elected Member
I’m an Aucklander born and bred, currently living in Glen Eden along with my husband and our dog, Scotch.
I would like to see more high-quality hospitality offerings in West Auckland and support moves toward greater competition and choice for our community. I want to see The Trusts facilitate a revival in the West Auckland hospitality sector and maximise its returns to the community.
To me, the West is: Auckland’s greatest potential new and thriving hospitality hub.
Email: Joe.waltag@gmail.com
Phone: 021 486 861
Waitakere Licensing Trust
Waitākere Licensing Trust operates industry leading retail and hospitality venues in the “Waitākere” area of The West.
We are 100% community owned, which means profits go straight back into Whenuapai, Hobsonville, West Harbour, Waitākere Township, Massey, Red Hills, Henderson, Rānui, Swanson, Taupaki, Te Atatū Peninsula, Te Atatū Sth, Sunnyvale, Oratia, Waiatarua, Karekare, Piha, Bethells Beach.
Waitakere Elected Members
Every three years, as part of the local body elections, people in The West vote for members of the community to represent their views on the licensing trust of the area they live in.
The members elected to each trust are the community’s voice and an essential link between the community ownership of The Trusts and the management of the commercial businesses of The Trusts.
Mark Allen
President
Mark lives at Te Henga with his partner, having raised three sons and worked in local government for 30 years, he has been the Executive Officer at Community Waitākere and a Waitakere Ranges Local Board member since 2019.
To me The West is: A collection of communities that does things its way, that doesn’t wait for permission and works together for all, an environment that is outstandingly beautiful, globally unique and loved by the people of the west, an economy of innovative and caring small businesses who work in and with their communities. In the west we continue wrestling with the big issues and we are finding our own solutions… I couldn’t live anywhere else.
Email: markallenwaitakereranges@gmail.com
Phone: 021 378 791
Brooke Loader
Vice President and WATS Elected Member
Why are you interested in the Trusts?
I’m passionate about the Trusts because they offer a unique model of community ownership and responsibility in alcohol sales, supporting its supply without saturating our neighbourhoods. The Trusts play a vital role in ensuring alcohol is sold responsibly through retail and hospitality venues, while also reinvesting profits back into our community.
What would you like to see The Trusts do?
I’d like to see The Trusts deepen their commitment to local employment and community support. That means creating more job opportunities, offering career pathways, and ensuring a living wage for our workers. I also want to see increased investment in our schools, sports clubs, and community organisations, those doing the mahi to make West Auckland a vibrant, supportive place to live. The Trust should use innovation to create hospitality and retail venues that are responsive to the community’s diverse needs.
Tell us about yourself ?
As a Te Atatū South local I love bringing up my family here. I am a lawyer and small business owner with a strong track record of community advocacy, currently serving as the Deputy Chair of the Henderson-Massey Local Board . I bring practical skills and a heart for service to my roles, including as Deputy Chair of the Waitākere Licensing Trust, Director on West Auckland Trust Services, and President of the New Zealand Community and Licensing Trusts Association. I’m committed to local control, local jobs, and ensuring our Trusts operate with integrity and purpose.
What do you love about living in West Auckland?
West is best! I love the diversity, the resilience, and the way our community comes together to support one another in a Westie Way. Whether it’s through our schools, sports clubs, or local initiatives, there’s a real sense of pride and connection here. It’s a fantastic place to raise a family and continue building a future in the place we call home.
Email: brookeloaderlabour@gmail.com
Phone: 022 025 0436
Linda Cooper
Long time West Auckland volunteer and resident, committed to good community governance which benefits local people.
To me, The West is: Home, heart and good people, always wanting what’s best for family, our beautiful environment and the future of our tamariki.
Email: linda.cooper2010@gmail.com
Phone: 021 440 281
Will Flavell
Why are you interested in the Trusts?
I am a newly elected member to the Waitākere Licensing Trust, and it’s important to me to learn as much as possible from the inside to serve our people best. No doubt, I want to see more money prioritised for our community groups. I’m a big believer in our community ownership model, and I want to ensure our profits are reaching the grassroots organisations that need them most, while ensuring we always prioritise looking after our whānau through responsible hosting.
What would you like to see The Trusts do?
I’d love to see The Trusts broaden their support even further. While we do a great job supporting sport, I want to see us backing education and the arts just as strongly. My goal is to ensure we provide:
More grants for grassroots organisations that really need the help.
Safe, welcoming venues where friends and whānau can connect.
Leadership in harm minimisation so our community stays safe and healthy.
Tell us about yourself ?
Kia ora! I’m a proud West Aucklander of Ngā Puhi, Ngāti Whātua, and Ngāti Maniapoto descent. I grew up in Whangārei but have called the West home for over 15 years now.
Education is my passion – I hold a Doctorate in Education and I’m the Pouhere (Principal) of Te Kāpehu Whetū Tāmaki, a new senior secondary school opening soon in Central Auckland. I also serve on the Henderson-Massey Local Board too. When I’m not working, you’ll usually find me on the tennis or pickleball court or learning a new language – I speak te reo Māori, and Japanese, and I’m currently tackling Samoan!
What do you love about living in West Auckland?
It has to be the people. Westies are diverse, friendly, and genuinely down-to-earth. There’s a real community spirit here where neighbours look out for one another. I also love our backyard – having the Waitākere Ranges and so many beautiful parks right on our doorstep makes this an amazing place to live, work, and play.
Email: will.flavell@gmail.com
Phone: 021 846 530
Ben Bergin
WATS Deputy President
Why are you interested in the Trusts?
My interest in The Trusts stems from my commitment to the wellbeing and safety of our West Auckland communities. As a local public servant, I’ve always focused on solving problems to help families thrive. I believe The Trusts have a vital role to play in our community’s future, but the current approach with its particularly over-reliance on gambling and the business bottleneck created by the monopoly, is holding us back. I’m here to ensure The Trusts truly put the community first and become the dynamic, transparent, and generous organisation our community deserves.
What would you like to see The Trusts do?
I want to see The Trusts become a catalyst for community prosperity. Achieving this requires working collaboratively with fellow trustees and the community to focus on:
1. Doubling Community Funding: Ensuring a significant, impactful increase in financial returns that directly support our local initiatives and organisations.
2. Increasing Hospitality Options: Encouraging the growth of diverse and welcoming hospitality options that enrich our local lifestyle.
3. Improving Operational Efficiency: By seeking the amalgamation of the two trusts, we can cut unnecessary bureaucracy and ensure every dollar goes further for West Auckland.
4. Enhancing Transparency: Committing to an open process so the community can easily see how decisions are made and how their funds are being invested.
Tell us about yourself ?
I am a dedicated member of the West Auckland community, spending my time not just serving in my public role, but also on the ground, involved with various community and sports groups. My focus is always twofold: being committed to preserving the unique, special qualities that define West Auckland while simultaneously working to innovate and improve to ensure it remains the best place to raise a family and build a life. I believe in practical action, community spirit, and working hard to see our community thrive for many years to come
What do you love about living in West Auckland?
What I truly love about West Auckland is its unique identity. We have a spirit and a sense of community pride that sets us apart from the rest of Auckland. There’s nothing quite like the combination of stunning natural beauty, especially the numerous walks in the magnificent Waitākere Ranges, and our incredibly vibrant communities. We are a thriving melting pot of peoples dedicated to making West Auckland the place to live. I believe in this place wholeheartedly, and I’m committed to ensuring our community-first values continue to flourish for generations to come
West Auckland Trust Services Board Members
Both the Portage and Waitakere Licensing Trusts run their management functions through West Auckland Trust Services Ltd (WATS).
WATS houses functions such as human resources, accounting, marketing and logistics, to streamline operations, reduce costs, and be more effective.
The WATS Board of nine Directors govern the business and oversee the Senior Management team. Five of the Directors are independent with commercial experience and complement the four Directors who are appointed from the licensing trusts. Their role is to manage the financial performance of the business and governance.
West Auckland Trust Services Board Members
Matt Harker
Chair
A proud Aucklander with Director and Chair experience in numerous community-facing organisations across care, health, housing, development, regeneration and kids’ support.
To me, The West is: An amazing collection of people and communities sharing amazing local spaces, parks, markets, forest and beaches with a bright and growing future.
Email: matth@thetrusts.co.nz
Phone: 021 398 747
Greg Presland
President Portage Trust & WATS Elected Member Director
Why are you interested in the Trusts?
I appreciate the great deal of good that the trusts achieve for the community and believe that they have a positive effect on the supply of alcohol locally. Without The Trusts and the amount of community support they have provided over an extended period of time West Auckland would not be the same.
What would you like to see The Trusts do?
I believe they can increase the amount of grants made to the community by increasing their efficiency. Their financial performance is important. But what is also important is the long term benefits for West Auckland that the Trusts have offered.
Tell us about yourself ?
I have been a westie for the last 38 years. I have practiced law out west for even longer. I have been around local government for a couple of decades.
What do you love about living in West Auckland?
All of it! Living in a sub-tropical recovering rain forest, West Coast Beaches, our arts institutions, bush walks, our local cafes and restaurants and most important my fellow West Aucklanders!
Email: greg.presland@mylawyer.co.nz
Phone: 021 998 411
Mark Allen
WATS Elected Member Director
Mark lives at Te Henga with his partner, having raised three sons and worked in local government for 30 years, he has been the Executive Officer at Community Waitākere and a Waitakere Ranges Local Board member since 2019.
To me The West is: A collection of communities that does things its way, that doesn’t wait for permission and works together for all, an environment that is outstandingly beautiful, globally unique and loved by the people of the west, an economy of innovative and caring small businesses who work in and with their communities. In the west we continue wrestling with the big issues and we are finding our own solutions… I couldn’t live anywhere else.
Email: markallenwaitakereranges@gmail.com
Phone: 021 378 791
Rob Hulse
PLT Elected Member
I grew up in the west and have spent my career working with and supporting the hospitality industry. I’m a big fan of our New Zealand coffee industry and love our food scene. I’m a parent of three young children so we are always busy on the weekends with sports, ballet or out in the Waitakere Ranges.
I joined the licensing trust to help develop hospitality in the west. With eighteen years in hospitality, this is my area of expertise, and this is where I want to make a difference. Our community out west is proud of our towns and will judge the trust by how vibrant their local hospitality scene becomes.
I hope to see new energy in the way we do hospitality. Coming out of the disruption that the last few years have seen, the west is ready for more variety and excitement in what we can enjoy in our neighbourhoods. By its nature, hospitality moves fast so we have a real opportunity to deliver this in our term.
Email: hulserobert@gmail.com
Phone: 027 836 1053
Brooke Loader
Vice President and WATS Elected Member
Why are you interested in the Trusts?
I’m passionate about the Trusts because they offer a unique model of community ownership and responsibility in alcohol sales, supporting its supply without saturating our neighbourhoods. The Trusts play a vital role in ensuring alcohol is sold responsibly through retail and hospitality venues, while also reinvesting profits back into our community.
What would you like to see The Trusts do?
I’d like to see The Trusts deepen their commitment to local employment and community support. That means creating more job opportunities, offering career pathways, and ensuring a living wage for our workers. I also want to see increased investment in our schools, sports clubs, and community organisations, those doing the mahi to make West Auckland a vibrant, supportive place to live. The Trust should use innovation to create hospitality and retail venues that are responsive to the community’s diverse needs.
Tell us about yourself ?
As a Te Atatū South local I love bringing up my family here. I am a lawyer and small business owner with a strong track record of community advocacy, currently serving as the Deputy Chair of the Henderson-Massey Local Board . I bring practical skills and a heart for service to my roles, including as Deputy Chair of the Waitākere Licensing Trust, Director on West Auckland Trust Services, and President of the New Zealand Community and Licensing Trusts Association. I’m committed to local control, local jobs, and ensuring our Trusts operate with integrity and purpose.
What do you love about living in West Auckland?
West is best! I love the diversity, the resilience, and the way our community comes together to support one another in a Westie Way. Whether it’s through our schools, sports clubs, or local initiatives, there’s a real sense of pride and connection here. It’s a fantastic place to raise a family and continue building a future in the place we call home.
Email: brookeloaderlabour@gmail.com
Phone: 022 025 0436
Kirsten Andrews
WATS Independent Director
Kirsten Andrews has more than 25 years of experience in the property industry, from property development and strategy to asset and transaction management.
“I’m excited to be joining the WATS board at a critical time,” says Kirsten. “I look forward to contributing to an organisation that does such great work supporting the local community.”
Email: kirsten.andrews@kiaproperty.com
Phone: 027 447 6414
David Allott
WATS Independent Director
I’m proud to call Auckland home and have executive experience leading large scale hospitality businesses across sport, tourism, hotels, conventions, restaurants and major events.
To me, The West is where a unique blend of wild nature and warm community come together. From the rugged beauty of the Waitakere ranges to laid back beaches there’s a real sense of freedom.
Email: dallott06@outlook.com
Phone: 027 807 3598
Amanda Cribb
WATS Independent Director
Amanda is a values-led Independent Director and Audit & Risk Chair with a strong governance background, commercial acumen, and deep experience in technology and transformation.
To me, The West is: home to Auckland’s best beaches – wild, beautiful, grounding – and a fiercely connected community grounded in resilience and heart. A visit to Te Henga Beach always feels like returning home.
Email: amandakcribb@gmail.com
Phone: 027 472 4404
Will Papesch
A born-and-bred West Aucklander who still proudly calls the West home, Will brings more than 20 years of local and international experience in the FMCG and alcohol industries. He specialises in marketing and strategy that deliver results.
To me, The West is: Where I grew up and where I’ve called home for the past 30 years. To me, it’s a distinctive and diverse community defined by the strength of its people.”
Email: william.papesch@gmail.com
Phone: 022 107 6837
Documents & Resources
Find our past meeting notes, financial statements, strategy documents and more…
Documents & Resources
Find our past meeting notes, financial statements, strategy documents and more…
See our Documents & Resources
About Us FAQs
How did your Trusts get established in West Auckland?
Up until the 1940s, alcohol was prohibited or restricted in many parts of New Zealand. As prohibition faded out, many communities were still concerned about having a community-minded approach to the sale of alcohol. Licensing trusts were established in response to this and the first, the Invercargill Licensing Trust, was established in 1944 and is still going strong today.
It wasn’t until the early 1970s that West Aucklanders voted to establish the Waitakere Licensing Trust and Portage Licensing Trust. The law allows for the Trusts’ mandate to manage alcohol sales in West Auckland to be challenged and every so often it is. The last time was in 2003 when a referendum was held and residents voted to retain the model.
Is it true the Trusts control all liquor licensing in West Auckland?
No. The Trusts do not control liquor licensing, that is Auckland Council’s responsibility. Like anyone who wants to open a licensed venue in West Auckland, we must apply to the Auckland Council for a licence to operate our stores and venues.
Why do you oppose licence applications if someone wants to start up as competition?
We don’t. We have not opposed any licence applications in West Auckland for several years. The only venues that we have a community granted mandate to operate exclusively are those that trade late into the night (bars) where the primary focus is the sale of alcohol. These venues operate under a Tavern licence as required by the Sale and Supply of Alcohol Act (2012).
Don’t the Trusts prevent freedom of choice?
No. Anyone can open a hospitality venue under a restaurant licence in West Auckland and there are plenty of licensed clubs too. These venues don’t have to sell food with every drink.
You are welcome to have a drink with or without food at more than 100 licensed hospitality venues in West Auckland already, with more planned to open from a range of different operators.
