Ngā kaitono poari ā-rohe 2025Local board candidates 2025

Hibiscus and Bays Local Board (Hibiscus Coast Subdivision)

Coast People

Candidate statement

Gary Brown, a proven local leader, is currently the Deputy Chair of the Hibiscus and Bays Local Board and a local businessman. He has consistently championed community projects and delivered results. With over 30 years of deep roots in the community, including extensive involvement with North Harbour Rugby and the Silverdale Rugby Club, Gary possesses a profound understanding of the Albany Ward's diverse needs. Gary advocates for locals, wise investment in infrastructure to create a thriving, world-class Auckland. His common-sense approach prioritises empowering local boards, embracing innovation, and ensuring transparent, accountable leadership for better services and value for money. Fix Auckland believes that Victoria Short and Gary Brown will be powerful advocates for the Albany Ward, working tirelessly to ensure the Council focuses on essential services, fiscal responsibility, and tangible improvements for residents

Hibiscus and Bays Local Board (Hibiscus Coast Subdivision)

Candidate statement

I’ve owned and operated a construction company for over 10 years, delivering projects across Auckland - including work on public park spaces. That experience has given me a clear understanding of where council processes can be improved and where ratepayer money can be better spent. My family and I regularly explore the islands in our region by boat, and we’re incredibly proud to call this place home. I’m standing for council to bring practical, real-world insight to local decisions and help build a more efficient, connected, and well-served community.

Hibiscus and Bays Local Board (Hibiscus Coast Subdivision)

Hibiscus People First

Candidate statement

Dani is a longtime Hibiscus Coast resident with partner Zen, and children attend(ed) local schools at Wainui, Silverdale Primary, Orewa College. A successful local business owner/director in the construction sector, she brings a wealth of directly relevant expertise in infrastructure, local roading, strategic planning, community engagement, teamwork. Her leadership is grounded in a strong people first approach, development that's sustainable, community focused. Deeply passionate about the outdoors, the Coast's beaches/walkways/recreational spaces. Dani enjoys boating/fishing, surfing, walking, gardening. Dani backs saving the Gulf Harbour Golf Course, Gulf Harbour Ferry, saving the Orewa Beachfront Reserve, a new Archers Reserve and Weiti walkway/cycleway, more. Articulate, goal oriented, approachable, she connects easily with people from all walks of life. With the Hibiscus People First team (www.puttingpeoplefirst.nz/hibiscuspeoplefirst) Dani is seeking a position on the local board to champion responsible growth, preserve the area's character, and ensure a thriving, resilient future for the Hibiscus Coast community.

Hibiscus and Bays Local Board (Hibiscus Coast Subdivision)

Coast People

Candidate statement

Gary George has called the Coast home for the past 29 years, raising his family here and contributing to the community in many ways. Gary's background spans farming, banking, mortgage brokering, coach driving, and running a successful finance business, now carried on by his daughter. Gary is a proud father of two and 'Poppa' to two beautiful grandchildren, who he regularly takes exploring our local beaches. He’s passionate about diving, biking, travel, and quality time with family. A long-time church member and former president of a local business networking group, Gary brings people together and gets things done. He’s a practical problem solver with a calm, can-do approach. Gary understands both the needs of families and small businesses, and he’s ready to bring his experience and energy to the Hibiscus and Bays Local Board. If you want a genuine local voice who listens and takes action - vote Gary George.

Hibiscus and Bays Local Board (Hibiscus Coast Subdivision)

Hibiscus People First

Candidate statement

Jayden Haley brings passion, heart and soul to the Hibiscus Coast Board. A long term resident with wife Elle, Jayden has a Landscaping Business Management background bringing a depth of knowledge in the management and operation of parks, reserves. Jayden has proven community commitment through volunteering with the community-trust leadership team saving Gulf Harbour Country Club, managing monthly volunteer days, Jayden isn't afraid to get his hands dirty. Jayden will stand up for local issues like keeping the Gulf Harbour ferry and green spaces, saving Orewa beachfront reserve, future projects like the Weiti River walkway-cycleway and new indoor sporting facilities for rapidly growing basketball, Pickelball, squash, badminton, futsal. Jayden is dedicated to sustainable growth on the Coast that roads, water, wastewater can cope with. Jayden loves timeout on the water boating, fishing, enjoying our beautiful parks and beaches. Jayden's a team player with Hibiscus People First. Visit www.puttingpeoplefirst.nz/hibiscuspeoplefirst

Hibiscus and Bays Local Board (Hibiscus Coast Subdivision)

Candidate statement

I have proudly called Hatfields Beach home since 2003. With a strong background in engineering, project management, and governance, I bring a practical, results-driven approach to local decision-making. I am standing for the Local Board to help shape a resilient, well-connected, and inclusive community. My key priorities include improving public transport on the coast, especially protecting ferry services from Gulf Harbour, addressing coastal erosion and climate impacts with sustainable solutions, and ensuring our community facilities keep pace with rapid growth and diverse needs. My governance experience means I know how to collaborate effectively, manage funds responsibly, and deliver on priorities. I’m committed to listening to local voices and representing our community with integrity and action. Let’s protect what makes the Coast special, while planning smartly for the future.

Hibiscus and Bays Local Board (Hibiscus Coast Subdivision)

Coast Community

Candidate statement

I’m Jake Law, running for re-election to the Hibiscus and Bays Local Board. A lifelong Coast resident, I’ve really enjoyed representing you as a proactive local board member. I am a local teacher, advocate, and have strong governance experience, serving on the Harbour Hospice advisory board and Orewa Business Association board. I continue to bring a fresh, positive, and dedicated approach to local decision making. I’m proud of successfully delivering much needed outcomes including the Orewa Library upgrade, storm remediation works, backing local business, and supporting community initiatives, as a liaison to Pest Free HBC and the Hibiscus Men’s Shed. Our community needs the best representatives who will ensure that we deliver key projects: retaining the Gulf Harbour ferry, delivering the Penlink Whangaparāoa bus station, and securing a positive outcome for the future of Orewa Beach. Vote for our Coast Community team, Jake Law, Nick Rado, and Gemma Moffat.

Hibiscus and Bays Local Board (Hibiscus Coast Subdivision)

Independent

Candidate statement

I am a seasoned NZ business leader with decades of driving business growth & success in trade related industries, from boardroom strategy to hands-on SME operations. I take pride in delivering results, not talk! A proud Hibiscus Coast & Bays local since the ’90s. A director on the Board of Destination Orewa Beach. A hospitality business owner to two well known establishments in Orewa. A lover of our local parks, beaches & cuisine scene. I am often seen out enjoying life’s simple pleasures with my partner and our boisterous (and lovable) fur-baby Louis. I believe, real change starts in Our community when we invest in each other. That’s why as a coastie I roll up my sleeves and support our local schools, charities, and grassroots projects often behind the scenes. My personal mantra: Don’t fear change, fear standing still. For more detail, visit www.andymackie.nz

Hibiscus and Bays Local Board (Hibiscus Coast Subdivision)

ACT Local

Candidate statement

As a current board member of your Hibiscus and Bays Local Board, I have a proven track record of challenging council waste and fighting for our community's fair share. However, as a barrister and solicitor, Justice of the Peace, and proud Coastie, I still believe our local priorities are being ignored in favour of downtown vanity projects and South Auckland spend ups – and I want to change that. Now standing with ACT Local, I will continue to fight the Council’s wasteful spending, promote practical solutions for our community’s problems, focus our board back on our core services like improving roads, protecting our parks and beaches and ensuring our local facilities are well-maintained, and advocate strongly for an engineered seawall to prevent Orewa reserve being surrendered to the ocean. If you want to guarantee accountability and common sense on your local board, please give me one of your votes.

Hibiscus and Bays Local Board (Hibiscus Coast Subdivision)

Coast Community

Candidate statement

I’m Gemma Moffat, fifth generation Orewa local. I am deeply committed to the Hibiscus Coast and the people who call it home. As a local teacher for over fifteen years alongside raising a young family, I have a deep understanding of our community’s past, its present, and its potential. I bring energy, compassion and a strong sense of service to this role. I’m a proud supporter of Orewa Surf Life Saving Club, and volunteer of the Silverdale Rugby Club. If elected, I want to increase bus station safety, deliver safer pedestrian routes, and back local business. With your support, I intend to be a representative who will ensure that we deliver key projects: retaining the Gulf Harbour ferry, delivering the Penlink Whangaparāoa bus station, and securing a positive outcome for the future of Orewa Beach. Vote for our Coast Community team, Jake Law, Nick Rado, and Gemma Moffat.

Hibiscus and Bays Local Board (Hibiscus Coast Subdivision)

Hibiscus People First

Candidate statement

Jeff Olufson is standing with the Hibiscus People First team. Committed to protecting what makes the Coast special, ensuring our community stays vibrant, connected, future ready. Longtime local with wife Kristie and two children having attended Orewa College Jeff’s an active community member, volunteer, serving on a local sports Community Trust. After careers in IT sales/management Jeff’s now a local business owner/manager and employer. Past president, current committee/life member of Hibiscus Coast Cricket, Jeff’s spent years supporting local sports, building grassroots connections and focused on delivering outcomes through teamwork and commitment. Jeff’s committed to saving Orewa Beachfront Reserve, Gulf Harbour Golf Course and Ferry and new community and sporting facilities for the Coast’s growing population across all ages, especially indoor/all-weather venues for sports like Football, Rugby, Softball, Basketball, Pickleball, Gymnastics and Squash. Ensuring our roads, water, wastewater matches growth so what’s needed is available when required. Visit http://www.puttingpeoplefirst.nz/hibiscuspeoplefirst for more.

Hibiscus and Bays Local Board (Hibiscus Coast Subdivision)

ACT Local

Candidate statement

Time and again, Auckland Council has let residents down with wasteful spending on nice‑to‑haves and ideological pet projects, handouts to special interest groups that don’t reflect our community, and neglected local services and facilities that our board is meant to champion. As someone deeply involved in our community, I see the challenges we face every day. My background in electrical engineering, construction, and running my own company gives me the practical experience to achieve better services and smarter solutions for the Hibiscus Coast. By voting for me as an ACT Local candidate, you know what you are going to get: efficient use of resources, support for local initiatives and businesses, strong advocacy for growth through local enterprise, and opposition to spending or policies driven by ideology rather than need. If you want common sense back at the decision‑making table, please give me one of your votes.

Hibiscus and Bays Local Board (Hibiscus Coast Subdivision)

Coast Community

Candidate statement

I’m Nick Rado, Coast local, and small business owner. Proudly raising a young family on the Hibiscus Coast has brought me a strong understanding of our community and its needs. With years of experience working in media, I am committed to the Coast community as a talented communicator, listener, and leader. I am running for our local board to make sure our voice is heard and our priorities are acted on. I am a proud advocate for community organisations, the arts and local business. I want to see safer bus stations and parks and reserves activated for community wellbeing. We deserve dedicated representatives who will ensure that key projects are completed: retaining the Gulf Harbour ferry, delivering the Penlink Whangaparāoa bus station, and securing a positive outcome for the future of Orewa Beach. Vote for our Coast Community team, Jake Law, Nick Rado, and Gemma Moffat.

Hibiscus and Bays Local Board (Hibiscus Coast Subdivision)

Coast People

Candidate statement

I’m Darag Rennie. Husband, father of two, and have lived here for over 40 years. After starting in medicine, I chose a path focused on healthy living and community wellbeing. Now semi-retired and author of two books, I’m excited to stand for council and bring a fresh, common-sense voice to local leadership. Our community deserves lower rates, less waste, and greater transparency. I’ve seen how confusion and fear are used to push through expensive, divisive policies. That’s not how things should work. I believe in practical, community-led solutions. Getting basics right: roads, water, and infrastructure. No more unnecessary red tape or backroom deals. 'Local Water Done Well' still takes control away from our community. It’s time for responsible spending, real oversight of council debt, and protecting local voices. I’m ready to stand up for what matters. Your voice, your needs, and our future. Let’s bring leadership back to the people!

Hibiscus and Bays Local Board (Hibiscus Coast Subdivision)

Candidate statement

As a long-standing resident I will unashamedly be your 'community' candidate ensuring that facilities for young families, youth, elderly and recreational opportunities for all are not overlooked. I also want to ensure our beautiful natural assets are preserved or enhanced for future generations. But as a former business and political journalist for a national agricultural newspaper, I am fully aware of the need to keep costs down, to provide decent infrastructure and how vibrant businesses contribute to livable communities. It's a balancing act. My association with the Coast stems back to the late 1980s and I worked as a journalist and editor in the area for many years. I raised family here and am now a grandmother. I also reported on councils throughout Auckland so I am well versed in the workings of both local and national government. I have championed many community issues and will continue to do so.

Hibiscus and Bays Local Board (Hibiscus Coast Subdivision)

Coast People

Candidate statement

Leanne Willis has proudly called the Coast home since 1990, raising her two daughters here - now amazing young women. Leanne is now happily enjoying the next chapter as a hands-on and very proud Nani. With career experience across banking, finance, photography, entertainment, and legal sectors, Leanne brings a well-rounded and practical perspective to local issues. For the past two terms, Leanne’s served on the Hibiscus and Bays Local Board, working hard to represent the voices of everyday locals. Leanne’s also volunteered with 'Angels on the Coast,' helping those facing tough times - because supporting community is simply part of who she is. Leanne is known for being down-to-earth, a straight-talker, and someone who rolls up her sleeves to get things done. She’s passionate about fairness, connection, and keeping things transparent. Vote Leanne Willis - a strong, community-driven voice with heart, humour, and a clear focus on what truly matters.

Hibiscus and Bays Local Board (Hibiscus Coast Subdivision)

Independent

Candidate statement

Kia ora, I'm Willy and I'm standing for the Hibiscus & Bays Local Board to help uplift our people, places, and shared future. I'm a local business owner, youth mentor, and community connector, passionate about wellbeing (Hauora), resilience, and opportunity for all ages. I've worked with local schools, sports clubs, gyms, day cares, run programmes for rangitahi, and created networks that support health, fitness and businesses. I value people's mana and believe every voice deserves to be heard. I bring strong wairua (spirit), practical experience, and a deep love for this place we call home. I'll advocate for safer spaces, youth development, better access to sport and recreation, and real community support. Let's move forward together with connection, action, and heart. Ngā mihi nui - Kia kaha.