John Stansfield

John Stansfield is a colourful, iconic islander and part of the left-wing collective known as Orapiu Grove Farm. He is an organic farmer, solar water heating salesman, political activist and wag. Once a union organiser, John is these days chief executive of the Problem Gambling Foundationand admits he takes delight in making life miserable for the gambling industry. He calls pokie machines the "crack cocaine" of the gambling industry and has been known to have one-armed bandits dropped from helicopters to make a point.

John's many exploits on Waiheke include, on a Sunday morning in the 1980s, leading a small gang of indignant islanders to cut down an illegal wharf at the bottom end. He was also deeply involved in the battle for the loop roadand was the person who unlocked the gate at Cactus Bay when the Privy Council confirmed public ownership of the road and John Spencer's legal options ran out.

Another community role is his directorship on the successful Waste Resource Trust.

John's partner is Denise Roche, 2007 candidate for the Hauraki Gulf Ward of Auckland City.