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The information on this page has been provided by the candidates. It does not reflect the views or positions of Auckland Council.
Matthew Joseph UPSON
Candidate for Henderson-Massey Local Board
Candidate statement
I’m 31 years old, a small business owner and a father of two - My daughter will be 10 and my son 8 when it comes time to vote. Someone has to do it, I’m putting my hand up because I care about our community and I’m tired of seeing decisions made that leave us all shaking our heads wondering, 'Who thought that was a good idea?' My goal is simple - to ask that hard question 'why' and push back on the wasteful, out-of-touch, or downright silly ideas that seem to keep slipping through council. Common sense needs a seat at the table, and I’ll make sure it has one.
Why I want to be elected
I’m putting myself forward for the local board because, like many others, I’m tired of driving around and wondering, “Who at council thought that was a good idea?” Instead of just complaining, I’ve decided to get involved and actually do something about it. My goal is to challenge decisions, ask the tough questions - “Why? Who benefits from this?”—and make sure the community’s voice is heard loud and clear.
My key skills and qualities
I’m not a career politician (thank goodness). What I do bring is four years of running my own business, ten years of parenting—which teaches patience, problem-solving, and how to survive chaos—and a complete lack of political baggage. I’ll look at every issue from a normal person’s point of view, not a politician’s playbook.
My top three key issues
Top Three Key Issues 1. Weird decisions – You know the ones. You drive past and think, “Who came up with that?” 2. Wasted money – Stop spending our rates on #1. It’s not rocket science. 3. Debt – Council’s “plan” to fix financial problems? Borrow more. Translation: hand the bill to our kids and grandkids. Not if I can help it.
My position on key topics
Transport
Fix and maintain the roads we already have before building shiny new ones we don’t need. Increase sensible speed limits, and get rid of those unnecessary speed bumps that seem to breed overnight.
Water
Short answer is maintain existing infrastructure, and stop the overflow of human waste into our harbour.
Built environment
The candidate has chosen not to provide a response.
Natural environment
The candidate has chosen not to provide a response.
Community
The candidate has chosen not to provide a response.
Economic and cultural development
The candidate has chosen not to provide a response.
Well-managed local government and outcomes for Māori
The candidate has chosen not to provide a response.
Candidate's supporting links
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