Disclaimer
The information on this page has been provided by the candidates. It does not reflect the views or positions of Auckland Council.
Candidate statement
I have lived on the North Shore for 14 years with my husband and young daughter. I am a registered Associate Chartered Accountant with a postgraduate certificate in Forensic Auditing. Additionally, I am a business owner and have also served as a voluntary board member at my local community centre. We have a duty to pass on our environment and amenities to future generations in a better state. Having been affected by the floods in 2023, I am passionate about issues such as flood mitigation along the Wairau Creek and restoring Lake Pupuke. I will advocate for increased funding and ongoing improvements in our Devonport to Takapuna area. I am environmentally conscious, bringing a practical outlook and common-sense approach to everything I do. I believe in making thoughtful, responsible decisions that balance community needs with long-term sustainability. Vote Kamini Schoonbee and all C&R candidates.
Why I want to be elected
I care deeply about the future we are creating for our children, our communities, and our environment. We are incredibly lucky to live in such a special part of Auckland, but right now we're facing significant pressure from funding cuts under Auckland Council's Fairer Funding initiative. That's why I am stepping forward. With my background in finance, I ask tough questions and find practical solutions. I don't just talk about transparency and accountability; I've spent my career delivering it.
My key skills and qualities
I am an Associate Chartered Accountant with a post-graduate certificate in Forensic & Investigative Auditing. I've spent months attending local board meetings and workshops, learning the ropes and getting ready to hit the ground running. I've also sat on the board of my local community center, so I understand the importance of balancing financial responsibility with people-focused outcomes. I will strongly advocate for practical, no-nonsense, common-sense solutions.
My top three key issues
Having been directly affected by the 2023 floods, I know the urgency of improving flood protection along Wairau Creek and restoring the health of Lake Pupuke. I will fight for fair funding so Devonport-Takapuna can maintain and upgrade our community facilities, parks, and sports grounds, while ensuring safe, accessible roads through better parking management, stormwater upgrades, and smart transport planning.
My position on key topics
Transport
With housing intensification, parking and road safety must be addressed urgently. Narrow streets lined with cars on both sides are not only hazardous for drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians, but they can also block emergency vehicles entirely. I will push for practical solutions — including improved parking management, strategic no-parking zones, and better street design — to keep our roads safe and accessible for everyone.
Water
With Auckland’s growing population, we must expand infrastructure capacity while safeguarding water quality. Our water, stormwater, and wastewater systems need to be resilient, well-maintained, and supported by alternative supply options to reduce disruption during maintenance and upgrades. I will push for smart investment that delivers reliability, resilience, and clean water for the Devonport-Takapuna community.
Built environment
Auckland is embracing growth — and I’m all in. I’ll back quality housing and infrastructure that serves the Devonport-Takapuna community, protects our coastal character, and preserves heritage sites. Development must be well-planned, future-proof, and respectful of what makes our area unique, while ensuring transport, water, and public spaces keep pace with demand.
Natural environment
I’ll champion stronger protection for our beaches, parks, and reserves, and restore native habitats to boost biodiversity. We must invest in climate-resilient infrastructure, plant more trees, and improve stormwater systems to reduce flood risk. Protecting our natural spaces isn’t just environmental, it’s safeguarding the Devonport-Takapuna lifestyle for generations to come.
Community
As an immigrant, I know the isolation many feel when arriving somewhere new. I’ll work to create welcoming spaces where diverse cultures are embraced and everyone feels at home. By improving local facilities, supporting community events, and fostering caring neighbourhoods, we can build a Devonport-Takapuna where people are connected, included, and proud to belong.
Economic and cultural development
I’ll support policies that help local businesses thrive — from protecting dairies from break-ins to attracting visitors through vibrant markets, events, and festivals. Promoting our cultural heritage, from Māori history to local arts, will strengthen pride and tourism. A thriving Devonport-Takapuna economy must celebrate its identity while creating jobs, innovation, and sustainable growth.
Well-managed local government and outcomes for Māori
I will collaborate with iwi to deliver community-based outcomes that protect taonga, create jobs, and celebrate Māori heritage. I support responsible Port of Auckland management that balances economic return with environmental care. I’ll back growth of the Auckland Future Fund and targeted storm recovery investments to build resilience in the Devonport-Takapuna community.
Candidate's supporting links
These links to external websites have been provided by the candidates. The content on these websites does not reflect the views or positions of Auckland Council.