Ngā kaitono poari ā-rohe 2025Local board candidates 2025

Albert-Eden Local Board (Ōwairaka Subdivision)

C&R - Communities and Residents

Candidate statement

I'm Ross Bannan, a long-time Pt Chevalier resident with deep roots in the Mt Albert area. As a self-made business owner and tradesman, I bring real-world experience, not theory. I've built a successful construction company from the ground up, co-authored the NZ Concrete Building Code, and supported young Kiwis in sport and career development. I believe in responsible spending, practical solutions, and strong local leadership. I'm someone who understands how hard it is to earn a dollar and how important it is to spend it wisely. With my business transitioning to the next generation, I'm ready to give back to the community that's supported me. I'll bring common sense, accountability, and a strong work ethic to the table. Let's focus on what works and build a better future - together. Vote Russ Bannan and C&R.

Albert-Eden Local Board (Ōwairaka Subdivision)

C&R - Communities and Residents

Candidate statement

I live in Point Chevalier with my wife and our three teenagers; this community is our home, and I care deeply about its future. My background is in law, consulting, and senior roles in the private sector and Housing New Zealand. I now run a business helping others succeed. But it's community service that keeps me grounded - as founding Chair of Touch Compass supporting artists of all abilities, School Board Trustee, kids' Football Coach, and Coastguard Volunteer. I bring 30 years experience in finance, management, and governance. These skills help me cut through complexity, focus on what matters, and deliver results that benefit real people. If elected, I will stand up for our neighbourhood - for practical, commonsense solutions that improve everyday life. That means safer streets, reliable transport, well-kept public spaces, and responsible spending that puts your rates to work where they count. Vote Marcus Bosch & C&R.

Albert-Eden Local Board (Ōwairaka Subdivision)

C&R - Communities and Residents

Candidate statement

Passionate local voices must shape the future of our community and environment - I believe I am that voice for us. 'Of the people, by the people, for the people' - I live these words every day through my actions. As a proud Mount Albert Grammar Old Boy and an Albert-Eden local for three decades, this is more than where I live - it's my home. Bringing experience you can trust - a decade in governance, politics and community engagement. My mission is simple: keep our neighbourhoods safe, ease the cost of living and making sure your voice is heard through consultation and sensible decision-making. From lifting up underprivileged children through the I Have a Dream Foundation, to bringing comfort to families at Starship Children's Hospital, I've spent my entire life giving back to my community - let's keep Albert-Eden thriving, together. Vote Redwan Islam and C&R

Albert-Eden Local Board (Ōwairaka Subdivision)

Candidate statement

A local dad with two young teenagers living in Point Chev. I’m focused on what artistic prospects are available to kids. I have a strong interest in creating better opportunities for young creatives in our neighbourhood. Pushing for a good suburban arts strategy to benefit young people in developing their talent locally with their peers and professionally to the wider world. Looking for policies that grow and develop a creative environment for young artists to flourish. With no real suburban arts strategy, young performers are missing out on being on the same playing field as each other. Without spending tons of money, there are lots of ways council can serve artists better. For example, developing the Mt Eden War Memorial Hall as a performing Arts Center and looking at ways that policies can help and develop our young people

Albert-Eden Local Board (Ōwairaka Subdivision)

City Vision

Candidate statement

I am proud to raise my daughter in Albert-Eden and love all that the area has to offer. I am committed to protecting what makes our neighbourhoods special but also realise they are growing, meaning we need better parks and facilities. Currently, I am working with the Methodist Church on a community hub for Waterview - a place for connection and support. I offer my skills as an urban planner to serve our community and want to work toward better active transport and community safety. I founded the Waterview School Bike Train to give kids a fun way to get to school safely, grounded in my belief that everyone should be able to get around easily. My community advocacy started with climate action and better environments at Generation Zero and Women in Urbanism, and more recently the Albert-Eden Eco Festival. Please vote for me and the City Vision team.

Albert-Eden Local Board (Ōwairaka Subdivision)

City Vision

Candidate statement

I love Albert-Eden. I grew up in Sandringham and I’ve studied, worked and played across this amazing part of Auckland. I’m proud to have spent two terms serving you on the local board, where I’ve focused my research and advocacy skills on meeting the challenges of a growing city. I’ve stood up for safe streets, affordable housing, and investing in parks, libraries and community centres. As a Mount Albert Pool trustee, I’ve helped secure a new pool accessway. I’ve worked with business associations to celebrate and enhance our town centres. I’ve supported community groups and helped flood-affected residents to have their voices heard at Council. My priorities are to secure a long-term future for Point Chevalier Library, to ensure Albert-Eden is included in flood resilience programmes, and to keep advocating for a transport network that works for everyone. Please vote for me and the City Vision team.

Albert-Eden Local Board (Ōwairaka Subdivision)

City Vision

Candidate statement

Kia ora, kia orana, I am a resident of Mt Albert with Cook Island and Chinese heritage. I have a long association with the Point Chevalier and Waterview communities as a registered teacher and parent, including with sports clubs. I want to improve local facilities, arts and events to meet our community’s needs, improve and bring our vibrant neighbourhoods together. As a grassroots community voice, I run the Point Chevalier Hub Facebook page. As a mum, I think about what the future holds for my daughter and the next generation. I volunteer for environmental groups including Urban Ark and Second Sunday Weeders. My priority is a plan for Point Chevalier and action it, with a new library and community centre at its heart to reinvigorate the town centre, improve safety and provide services to all. Please vote for me and the City Vision team.

Albert-Eden Local Board (Ōwairaka Subdivision)

City Vision

Candidate statement

As the current deputy chair of Albert-Eden Local Board, I am accountable to you. I have worked to improve services, parks and funding for the community. I am passionate about our community, our environment and our future. I want to see Mt Albert Town Square developed, shade sails in parks, improved access to Chamberlain Park, support for community groups, town centres we want to visit, a reopened Oakley Creek walkway and green space for the 6,000+ new homes in the Carrington development. I take my responsibilities seriously. My professional background is in nursing but my focus nowadays is good decision-making that improves the lives of locals. I have governance experience on a large commercial company, a philanthropic trust, council and school boards including leading a $20m school rebuild. I hope to continue to serve you on the Local Board. Please vote for me and the City Vision team.

Albert-Eden Local Board (Ōwairaka Subdivision)

Candidate statement

Every year, Auckland gets the same report card: 'Real potential… lacks imagination and application.' I live in Waterview - we feel that. We’ve seen incomprehensible decisions made in our transport, parks, planning, and more. I believe we deserve better. I’m standing for the Ōwairaka Subdivision of the Albert-Eden Local Board because I want Council to work with us on better solutions. I want Council to listen. Priorities: 1. Better Decisions, Better Outcomes. We can unlock new value from our assets through creativity and innovation; 2. Local Businesses, Local Life. We need to support small businesses to keep our suburbs and neighbourhoods vibrant; 3. Our Ground, Our Way. Some of our public space should be more - fruit trees, edible berms, and real community resilience. I don’t know everything, but I’m still idealistic or crazy enough to believe I can make a difference. Vote For Matt Zwartz, and let’s find out!