Introducing Barrie-John Partridge

I’m Barrie-John Partridge, a barrister, trained mediator, and proud resident of Green Bay, where I live with my wife and our eight-year-old daughter. I’m standing for the Portage Licensing Trust in the Titirangi Green Bay Ward as part of the Future West team, because I believe in strong, transparent, community first governance of our local alcohol licensing.

I support the continued existence of the Trusts, and the principle behind them: that profits from alcohol sales should benefit the community, not private shareholders. The Portage and Waitākere Trusts operate a unique, community owned model that reinvests locally, rather than allowing money to flow offshore or into corporate pockets. As one of West Auckland’s largest employers, they’ve paid the Living Wage since 2020, a commitment worth recognising and strengthening.

This isn’t a perfect system, but when it’s run well, it delivers real value. There are eight taverns and 25 retail outlets operating under the Trusts, many award-winning. That’s a far cry from the hundreds of outlets crowding other parts of Auckland. The West Auckland model supports more responsible alcohol sales and gives communities a say: residents elect board members and can attend public monthly meetings, in person or online.

I’ve been a practising lawyer for 19 years and hold a Bachelor of Commerce, Master of Laws (Hons), and a Master of Public Policy (First Class Honours). I understand how the law works, and how public institutions should serve people over profit.

Outside of work, I’ve stayed grounded through years of community volunteering, in grassroots rugby, with the Auckland Welsh Club, and at my daughter’s school.

I’m committed to making our public institutions more inclusive, particularly for disabled people, migrants, and those too often shut out of local decision-making.

If elected, I’ll bring energy, independence, and a collaborative mindset. I’ll push for clearer reporting, stronger engagement, and a sharper focus on the public good.

The current model has delivered millions in grants, to schools, emergency services, sports clubs, and cultural groups. Let’s protect what works, and ensure our local assets stay in local hands.