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 over three decades of experience as an engineer, and the ability to generate permanent solutions to local problems. I believe in preserving and improving our neighbourhoods, cutting wasteful spending, keeping rates low, and fixing things that matter. If elected, I will focus on; reducing flood risk, ending the congestion on Lake Road, and preventing crime. The Council's preparedness for the 2023 floods was pathetic, and many residents paid dearly for this. I will fight for long-term solutions. The roading congestion is ridiculous. I will champion more intelligent traffic strategies that bring roads, buses and ferries into one cohesive system. We have too many victims of crime. I will push for a return to community policing and better crime prevention. For practical solutions that work; for a Safer, Fairer, and Future-Ready Devonport-Takapuna. Vote Neil Zent of Forrest Hill/Sunnynook and my fellow C&R team
Why I want to be elected
Neil Zent wants to make the Devonport -Takapuna Local Board area safer, fairer, and future-ready. Keep things simple and get the basics right. Focus on Roads, Rates and Rubbish.
My key skills and qualities
Neil Zent offers over 30 years of engineering experience, delivering lasting, practical solutions. He’s about fixing what matters most to residents.
My top three key issues
Tackle Flood Risks: The 2023 flood response was a disaster. I will fight for robust, long-term infrastructure that protects homes and families. Unclog Lake Road: Traffic is a daily frustration. I will champion more intelligent traffic strategies that integrate roads, buses, and ferries into a single, cohesive system—no more band-aid fixes. Improve Community Safety: With crime on the rise, I will push for a return to visible community policing and effective crime prevention.
My position on key topics
Transport
Bus Network: Advocate for better integration of the bus network, ensuring coordinated transfers. Using the NX1 from the city to Sunnynook and find the 907 passing the station as one climbs the stairs. Very frustrating. Cycleways: Advocate to finish the Takapuna-Devonport track. Need a way from Francis Street to Patuone Reserve. Roading: Narrow streets lined with cars on both sides are a nightmare. Your house will burn down because the fire engine is stuck up the street. Urgent fix.
Water
Wairau Catchment is a disaster. The motorway has blocked the flow of water. Advocate for NZTA and the Auckland Council to work together for a smart solution. Destroying the Takapuna Golf Course is a knee-jerk reaction. It will not protect the Eventfinder Stadium, Sunnynook and Totaravale. We need a tunnel to discharge the water into the sea from Sunnynook and Becroft Park.
Built environment
Advocate for restricting suburban intensification and instead promoting it in transport hubs like Smales Farm and downtown Takapuna. Protect the heritage aspects of Devonport.
Natural environment
The Tūpuna Maunga Authority (ancestral mountains) has done a formidable job in upgrading access to the maunga. This commitment to the environment needs to be duplicated along the foreshore. We are blessed to live in a city that has so much natural space that there is something new to discover every weekend.
Community
The Greville Reserve turf has transformed a muddy patch into a vibrant, dynamic area. We need more investments like this that can keep the youth busy. Additionally, we should provide more opportunities for basketball, as it is one of the most popular sports in the world.
Economic and cultural development
Community Constable: The need for their return is evident. Anecdotally, the Sunnynook-based policeman was very effective. His car parked outside the Community Centre served as a significant crime deterrent. We need this style of policing back. Crime is hurting our local businesses.
Well-managed local government and outcomes for Māori
We have become a multicultural society. Auckland is an effective port and plays a key role in New Zealand's trade. Storm recovery need smart engineering to future proof the city for our kids.
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.