Disclaimer
The information on this page has been provided by the candidates. It does not reflect the views or positions of Auckland Council.
Lesieli OLIVER
Candidate for Franklin Local Board (Pukekohe Subdivision)
Team Franklin
Candidate statement
Mālō e lelei, my name is Lesieli and I’m standing for the Franklin Local Board. My husband and I have proudly called Pukekohe home for the past 15 years, raising our four beautiful children here. As a Tongan woman with experience in not-for-profit leadership, education, business, and tech, I offer a grounded, community-focused voice with a strong commitment to service. For the past seven years, I’ve led an organisation dedicated to improving outcomes for children -supporting academic achievement, school attendance, and overall wellbeing. As a parent of a young family, I understand how vital safety, opportunity, and community connection are to our daily lives. I love the diversity of our community and I’m passionate about seeing it grow stronger. I’m committed to advocating for community safety, infrastructure that supports growth, and continued investment in the spaces that bring us together - like local buildings, parks, libraries, and community events.
Why I want to be elected
Mālō e lelei, my name is Lesieli and I’m standing for the Franklin Local Board with Team Franklin. I’m passionate about making Franklin a safer, stronger, and more connected place for every generation. Having raised my family here for 15 years and led an organisation improving outcomes for children in education, I bring deep community experience. I want to ensure our diverse voices are represented and that we invest wisely in infrastructure, services, and spaces that bring us together.
My key skills and qualities
I bring leadership experience from the not-for-profit, education, business, and tech sectors, coupled with lived community experience. As a Master's graduate, I believe in making decisions based on evidence and data. For seven years, I've delivered measurable outcomes in children's achievement, attendance, and wellbeing. I am a solutions-focused and innovative leader committed to ensuring diverse voices are heard, building thriving, safe, and connected communities for Franklin.
My top three key issues
Community safety - because every family deserves to feel secure where they live. Infrastructure for growth - to meet the needs of our developing and diverse communities. Investment in spaces that connect us - like libraries, parks, and community events - because they build belonging, wellbeing, and pride in Franklin.
My position on key topics
Transport
My priority is a safe and well-maintained local road network, particularly for rural roads. I will advocate for improved public transport links and better walking and cycling paths to connect communities and schools safely. I support solutions that reduce congestion and improve freight efficiency.
Water
I believe we must manage water sustainably. I support improving our waterways by managing stormwater runoff and controlling erosion. I will advocate for investment in wastewater infrastructure to support growth and protect the environment.
Built environment
I support well-planned urban development that respects Franklin's unique rural character and heritage. I'll advocate for infrastructure to be in place before new housing is built. Protecting our historic buildings and natural landscapes is a key focus.
Natural environment
My focus is on protecting Franklin's biodiversity and natural spaces. I support community-led conservation efforts, including pest control and native planting. I will also champion initiatives that improve climate resilience and the health of our local ecosystems.
Community
I will build strong, connected communities by drawing on my experience in not-for-profit leadership and education. I'll advocate for improved community safety and continued investment in our shared spaces, like parks, libraries, and local halls. As a parent, I understand the importance of these spaces and services for the wellbeing and opportunities of our young people.
Economic and cultural development
My vision is for a resilient local economy that supports our growing population by creating more local jobs and opportunities. I will champion Franklin as a place where businesses can thrive, while ensuring new development complements our unique rural character and rich cultural heritage.
Well-managed local government and outcomes for Māori
I will ensure transparent and accountable local government. I am committed to working with mana whenua to achieve Māori outcomes aligned with the Treaty of Waitangi. I will also advocate for fair funding for Franklin to support Māori success.
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.