Disclaimer
The information on this page has been provided by the candidates. It does not reflect the views or positions of Auckland Council.
Joseph ERCEG
Candidate for Henderson-Massey Local Board
Independent
Candidate statement
I am a small business owner born and raised in West Auckland. I have over a decade’s experience in governance and as a community and business advocate. I run community events like the Te Atatu Food Truck Fridays and have served on boards of the Te Whau Pathway Environment Trust, Don Oliver Youth Sport Foundation, Croatian Cultural Society and Te Atatu South Community Association. I’m someone who prefers making change rather than just talking about it. I bring an objective, analytical mind and the passion and experience to help build a thriving West Auckland. I will continue advocating for practical solutions to rising living costs through sensible budgeting, safer connected neighbourhoods, vibrant community and town centres, stronger local economies, better transport, improved infrastructure and environmental care. With a deep understanding of West Auckland's history and all its areas, I’m committed to its prosperous future economically, socially, and environmentally.
Why I want to be elected
I want to help make West Auckland a better place to live, a place people are proud to call home. A place people feel connected to and they themselves want to help make it a better place. I want to see smarter decisions made that affect people’s everyday life and the costs and obstacles they face. I like hearing different perspectives on community matters and be the advocate for the whole community to improve their lives. This is what the role on the local board should be all about.
My key skills and qualities
Born and raised in West Auckland. Deep understanding of the area’s history. Governance experience with Te Whau Pathway Environment Trust, Don Oliver Youth Sport Foundation, Croatian Cultural Society and Te Atatu South Community Association. Business skills in planning, strategy and the necessary analytical, relationship building and financial skills. Objective analytical mind, fresh perspectives and a passion to see a thriving West Auckland economically, socially and environmentally.
My top three key issues
• Smarter budgeting and sensible use of rates to ease the cost of living. Making sure our area gets a fair share of the rates pie. • Putting community first so people feel safe, included and connected to where they live. • West Auckland thriving economically, socially and environmentally. Getting the right infrastructure that ensures we don’t suffer from growth. Better transport options, vibrant places that support our health and wellbeing: town centres, community centres, parks and paths.
My position on key topics
Transport
I want to see safer, faster, more reliable, affordable and accessible transport options. We need multi transport options to get around the city with the aim to reduce congestion and support the environment. We need to continue programmes to fix and maintain our roads and create safer cycling and walking routes. We need better connections between neighbourhoods and key destinations. I am on the Te Whau Pathway Environment Trust. I aim to see the completion of this infrastructure project.
Water
We need to continue investing in water infrastructure to keep pace with development and to protect our waterways from pollution. We need to continue to “make way for water” so the city can cope with flooding. This includes clearing and restoring streams, using natural solutions like wetlands and ensuring we have regular maintenance of culverts and stormwater drains.
Built environment
I support housing that is well-designed, high quality and connected to public transport corridors, parks, and amenities. Increasing supply is the only way to improve affordability. Infrastructure must keep pace with growth so communities thrive and our quality of life remains. We also need to protect our heritage with well-defined criteria. This is what tells the story of who we are. Intensification needs to be shared across Auckland in the right areas where jobs and transport options are.
Natural environment
In West Auckland we are fortunate to be surrounded by parks, rivers and the Waitākere Ranges. I want to protect and restore these spaces by continuing to plant trees, cleaning up waterways and improving stream health. Strengthening flood protection and using green infrastructure will build climate resilience. By enhancing access to our natural areas with infrastructure like the Te Whau Pathway, we can support community wellbeing while safeguarding the environment for future generations.
Community
Having been actively involved in the community for over a decade, I know the importance of putting community first. I want to ensure all people feel safe, included and connected to the area. People looking out for one another should be a value deeply rooted in our communities. I will help empower the fantastic local organisations in West Auckland to focus on the needs they see firsthand. I want to ensure our town centres, parks and community centres are vibrant places people want to engage with.
Economic and cultural development
I want to see more local jobs to reduce commute times. The area needs more diversity in job opportunities outside of retail jobs. I support initiatives like Create Auckland 2030 and the Western Initiative enhancing skills and entrepreneurship programmes. We need more investment in the area to stimulate growth. We need to support small businesses by providing the infrastructure they need, making it easier for them to do business and promoting our town centres to attract customers.
Well-managed local government and outcomes for Māori
I want to continue to improve Māori outcomes and engagement with local iwi. We need to continue to strive to engage with a diverse range of voices in the community so everyone is included and heard e.g. youth, disabled, ethnic minorities. We need to continue investing in climate resilient infrastructure to protect communities from flooding.