Disclaimer
The information on this page has been provided by the candidates. It does not reflect the views or positions of Auckland Council.
Glenn Barrie MacKendrick PATEL
Candidate for Henderson-Massey Local Board
Candidate statement
I have lived in West Auckland my whole life, and I love that I see trees and the Opanuku Stream from my window. I want to help shape a stronger, greener future for our community. I believe in development that puts people first. On the local board, that means advocating to Auckland Transport for safer streets, more public transport, and better walking and cycling connections. It also means supporting choices that keep people close to the things that matter: work, school, shops, and green spaces. I also care deeply about protecting and restoring our local environment. We already have some great initiatives around tree planting and our waterways that deserve continued council support. Henderson-Massey is growing because we balance between town and countryside. I believe we can grow in a way that keeps that balance. If elected, I will work hard to represent our community and help it flourish.
Why I want to be elected
If elected: I will advocate for tree planting and green infrastructure to keep our streets pleasant and more flood resistant. I’ll support smart, sustainable urban growth focused on public transport and walkability over traffic-inducing sprawl. I'll focus on finding ways to support our existing local small business and helping them grow, rather than importing failed big box models to compete with them.
My key skills and qualities
I bring experience in education, research, and writing, with a strong focus on listening and problem-solving. Since 2015, I’ve volunteered in a global online community, collaborating across cultures and time zones. My approach is practical: understand what people want, study the best solutions, and build something that works. I’ll bring that same approach to local issues; inclusive, evidence-based decision-making.
My top three key issues
My top three issues are tree cover, walkability and building up near the trains. I care about these because years of car-based commuting have been miserable, and I've learned that the only way to fix that - any of that - is pleasant, walkable neighbourhoods built to work with public transport. These are problems that get solved on the local board level. My original plan was to just lobby board members - but it's election year. So here I am.
My position on key topics
Transport
Talk to AT about more accessible bus stops. Some schools have had less students bussing due to dangerous bus stops; this needs to be fixed. Adjust the Westgate developments. They need better walkable connections to the local community; the core is solid, but it's sprawling Make our train stations more walkable. They need to be safer and more convenient to reach on foot. Lighting, shade, protected pathways.
Water
Push for the planting and maintenance of rain gardens and bioswales to better manage stormwater issues and prevent flooding. Turn flood-risk areas into protected urban wetlands; nature has identified places we can't safely build on for us, so let's run with it. Public drinking fountains could be more present, making urban areas more pleasant to navigate. Naturally we also need to ensure basic water-based utilities function well and are available when needed.
Built environment
Zone and encourage apartment blocks and townhouses being built closer to our train stations. Trains are ideal for a daily commute. Seek out and encourage development projects that build up, not out. Building outwards strains our community resources; we need to build up. Our heritage locations are beautiful and underdeveloped. In my writing I’ve had reason to visit local heritage sites, and they’ve been wonderful slices of history that are almost invisible. People should visit them more.
Natural environment
Improve our pedestrian and cycling infrastructure; we have clogged streets, almost-empty sidewalks and only a few bike lanes. Push for the planting and maintenance of rain gardens and bioswales to better manage stormwater issues and prevent flooding. Plant more street trees, and partner with schools to involve the next generation in tree planting. Henderson-Massey has a 15% canopy coverage, but should be aiming for 30%. Turn flood-risk areas into protected urban wetlands.
Community
Building communities requires community buildings. The more we walk through our neighbourhoods, the more beautiful they are with natural greenery and thoughtful architecture, the more we see each other and talk to each other. Services in general are key to a community. A collective composting initiative would help us grow the green spaces that we need for our community to thrive, in a more affordable way.
Economic and cultural development
Zoning for and encouraging mixed-use medium density development around places like the Henderson town center should help grow our local retail sector. Work with AT to improve our public transport. Most of us commute to work, and we get in each other's way doing so. Better transport = jobs. Support startups with policy. We have a strong history of small business and entrepreneurship here, including some digital. Let's grow that.
Well-managed local government and outcomes for Māori
I am not Māori; the most important thing I can say here is that listening to Māori is the first step in any plan for delivering Māori outcomes - which I have applied in my own writing and intend to apply to local board work should I be elected. We need to respect Te Tiriti and the obligations it places on us, and just in general respect our fellow Kiwis. The other issues mentioned here appear outside the scope of the local board.
Candidate's supporting links
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