Kia ora koutou,
Ko Donna tōku ingoa. It is my privilege to have been elected as Bike Auckland’s co-chair. I’ll be working alongside Karen Hormann.
My background is in research and policy. I have a Masters degree in Economic Geography. I’ve worked with NGOs, and in the public and private sectors. I’ve worked in education and public health, and I have a keen interest in urban development and the environment. The result of this messy mix is that I’m very focused on equity.
Through all this I’ve ridden my bike. As an athlete, then later to work, to uni, for recreation, and because it’s faster than driving a car. Cycling ticks so many boxes – health, wellbeing, access to jobs and services, the list goes on. I don’t understand why it’s not a priority for all central and local government planners.
Because it covers so much, cycling is politics. We know this because we’ve seen well-funded, coordinated efforts to prevent or even rip up cycle lanes here in New Zealand and overseas. But, cycling is also joyous and makes us feel good. I want that for everyone. We should all be able to cycle, walk or scooter safely; to breathe fresh air and feel the breeze on our faces.
As the social fabric becomes more frayed, and we connect less with others, cycling encourages social cohesion, helping us engage with people we might not otherwise meet. I want to use my time as co-chair to help make this happen even more.
The next year will be busy, starting with Bike Auckland hosting Cycle Action Network’s annual CAN Do. CAN-Do will be on 21-22 March 2026 – save the date in your calendar now. We’re planning rides and awesome presentations, and we’d love to see you there.
We’ll be working with Bike Burbs and talking to Local Boards and looking at all the ways to improve things for people on bikes as we head into a general election. Happily, we have amazing, experienced volunteers and I’ll be shameless in asking for help.
Feel free to contact me about anything in the meantime.
