Disclaimer
The information on this page has been provided by the candidates. It does not reflect the views or positions of Auckland Council.
Will FLAVELL
Candidate for Henderson-Massey Local Board
Labour
Candidate statement
My family and I have proudly called West Auckland home for twenty years. Through my work as an educator and former teacher at Rutherford College and other schools in Henderson and Massey, I’ve had the honour of helping local young people discover their potential and reach for their dreams. Every day, I’m inspired by the energy and hopes of the next generation. I’m closely connected to our community through sports, volunteering, and support for local charities. As your Deputy Chairperson of the Henderson Massey Local Board, I have championed opportunities for families and young people. My iwi are Ngā Puhi and Ngāti Whātua. I believe West Auckland deserves beautiful parks, safe streets, welcoming community spaces, and clean streams. I’m passionate about helping our small businesses succeed and grow. I promise always to listen and to stand up for you. Vote Will Flavell and Labour for the Henderson Massey Local Board.
Why I want to be elected
As your Deputy Chairperson, I will be a tireless advocate for our community. I will champion our public spaces - libraries, parks, and community centres ensuring they are valued and well-supported. I will inspire and create opportunities for our youth, giving them a voice and a pathway to leadership. Finally, I will commit to completing key walkways and improving public transport and roads, making it easier for everyone to move around.
My key skills and qualities
With 12 years' experience as an elected member, I have a strong record of service. As a secondary school teacher with a PhD and a Master's in Education, I am inspired by our young people. I care about our community and enjoy working with local charities and sports groups. I speak Te Reo Māori, Japanese, and Samoan, which helps me connect with many people. I am a dedicated leader who will work hard for our area.
My top three key issues
1. A Connected and Safe Community I'll advocate for better transport and safer streets, support finishing projects like Te Whau Pathway, and promote healthy, accessible ways to get around. 2. Valuing Our Community Hubs I'll champion our local libraries, parks, and centres - fighting for upgrades so they're accessible, welcoming, and well-resourced for everyone. 3. Empowering Our Youth I'll empower our youth with real input in local decisions and create leadership opportunities helping them
My position on key topics
Transport
My priority is to build a safe and efficient transport network for our community. I will advocate for faster and more reliable public transportation, including supporting the upgrade of Henderson Station. I'll push to complete key projects, such as the Te Whau Pathway, providing safe options for walking and cycling. Furthermore, I will ensure our roads and footpaths are well-maintained and prioritise road safety upgrades, especially around our schools, to make our streets safer for everyone.
Water
I will advocate for a comprehensive and sustainable water strategy. It is imperative that we educate our communities on water conservation. With population growth and the impacts of climate change, we must invest in resilient infrastructure for our wastewater and stormwater systems. I will ensure this is a top priority for our city, securing a healthy and sustainable future for all residents.
Built environment
My vision is for a sustainable Auckland that balances growth with our unique identity. I'll advocate for high-quality, affordable housing, and ensure our infrastructure from transport to water is a top priority. I believe in a balanced approach to heritage protection, valuing our past while building a modern, resilient future for our community.
Natural environment
Prioritising our environment is non-negotiable. I will champion planting and restoration projects, collaborating with local organisations and schools to enhance our natural spaces and biodiversity. We must invest in green infrastructure from urban forests to resilient waterways to strengthen our city’s defence against climate change. I will ensure our community has the resources to take action, protecting our awa and whenua for future generations.
Community
Parks, playgrounds, and libraries are at the heart of our community. I believe these public spaces are essential for our families' wellbeing and for bringing people together. That's why I will ensure our community hubs are well-resourced, welcoming, and accessible to everyone. We still need accessible places that are free or low cost for our children, young people, and older people so everyone can gather, thrive, and help build a stronger Henderson-Massey.
Economic and cultural development
My vision is for a thriving local economy and a strong sense of identity. I will support local businesses by revitalising our town centres. I'll champion our unique heritage, from sites like Corban Estate to the stories of mana whenua, to create a real sense of place. I want our young people and schools to have more of a say in shaping our local identity and to help decide what the future will look like for West Auckland.
Well-managed local government and outcomes for Māori
I am a proud Māori leader committed to Māori outcomes. I will ensure that indigenous knowledge is prioritised in decision-making. As a former te reo Māori teacher, I will strengthen the language, creative arts, and digital opportunities for rangatahi. I will advocate for a sustainable future supporting storm recovery, responsible port management, and growth of the Auckland Future Fund all guided by our community’s values.
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.