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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.
Ali DAHCHE
Candidate for Howick Local Board (Botany Subdivision)
ACT Local
Candidate statement
Botany has always been part of my story. Now it’s my time to give something back. I understand what our community is facing: families stretched by rising costs, small businesses working hard to stay afloat, and young people looking for support and direction. Our Local Board should be a strong advocate for Botany, one that listens, spends wisely within its areas of responsibility. I bring global leadership experience in crisis response, infrastructure, hospitality, and operations, and I was honoured to be recognised among the top Managing Directors in the Middle East. By voting for me as an ACT Local candidate you know exactly what you’re going to get: advocacy for well‑maintained parks and community facilities, supporting local events and initiatives that strengthen our economy, and create opportunities for our youth. If you want to see common sense back around the Local Board table, please give me one of your votes.
Why I want to be elected
Ratepayers have been let down by higher rates, more bureaucracy, wasteful pet projects and neglected basics. It’s time to focus on what matters – safe streets, working infrastructure and value for money. After 27 years living in Howick , I understand our community’s needs and will bring practical solutions to deliver real change locally._ By voting for me as an ACT Local candidate, you know I’ll keep rates down, stop wasteful spending, and deliver essential services.
My key skills and qualities
I’m a business owner and community advocate with real-world problem-solving experience._ I know how to get things done and hold decision makers to account. I’ll back local business, make Howick safer, ensure essential services are maintained to a high standard, and restore transparency so residents can see exactly how their money is being spent.
My top three key issues
Backing local businesses by cutting red tape, speeding up permits, supporting investment in the local community and allowing Howick to grow. Less waste – ending pet projects and cutting unnecessary bureaucracy. Better services – fixing roads, clearing drains, collecting rubbish and maintaining public spaces.
My position on key topics
Transport
I’ll fix the basics – maintain footpaths, clear drains, and keep traffic flowing. I’ll oppose anti-car policies like excessive speed bumps, road narrowings, and cycleways that don’t reflect local needs. Transport choices should be practical and locally decided, not driven by ideology.
Water
I’ll support local projects that fix flooding, clear blocked drains, and maintain stormwater infrastructure. We need real investment in pipes and pumps – not vanity projects – so water and wastewater systems are reliable, affordable, and focused on essentials for ratepayers.
Built environment
I’ll oppose red tape that blocks development while ensuring infrastructure keeps up. I support increased housing density around key transport hubs – building where it’s most needed and makes the most sense – so Auckland can grow without pushing up rates or wasting money.
Natural environment
I’ll back local pest control, coastal protection, and better flood management – but stop wasting money on political climate projects that don’t deliver for ratepayers or the environment. Focus should be on practical work that benefits nature and protects communities.
Community
I’ll get the basics right – fix walkways, maintain community centres and libraries, and support practical local events that bring people together without pushing politics. Well-run facilities and safe public spaces are the foundation of strong communities.
Economic and cultural development
I’ll work with local businesses to revitalise town centres, improve safety and foot traffic, and cut red tape so it’s easier to hold markets, events, or get a licence. Strong local economies and vibrant communities go hand-in-hand.
Well-managed local government and outcomes for Māori
All residents should be treated equally. I’ll campaign to remove the voting rights of unelected Independent Māori Statutory Board members on council committees. Strategic assets like the Port and Future Fund must be run efficiently to lower rates, strengthen resilience, and stop waste.
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.