Ngā kaitono poari ā-rohe 2025Local board candidates 2025

Howick Local Board (Flat Bush Subdivision)

C&R - Communities and Residents

Candidate statement

I'm standing for Flat Bush to help our fast-growing, diverse community thrive as a connected, safe and future-ready place to live. With over 20 years in community development, stakeholder engagement, and governance, I've worked alongside iwi, service providers, and local organisations to deliver practical, people-focused results. As President of the Migrant Heritage Charitable Trust and Garje Marathi NZ, and through decades of involvement in multicultural sport, youth mentoring, and community radio, I've built bridges across cultures. My approach is grounded in Te Tiriti o Waitangi, equity, and inclusive collaboration. My priorities are clear: safer streets, vibrant public spaces, transport and infrastructure that keep pace with growth, and greater opportunities for youth and seniors. I'll advocate for transparent, value-for-money decisions and champion respectful, solutions-focused leadership. Flat Bush has potential. Together, we can shape a resilient, welcoming community where families succeed and diversity is celebrated. Vote Prashant Belwalkar and C&R

Howick Local Board (Flat Bush Subdivision)

C&R - Communities and Residents

Candidate statement

David Collings, (current Howick Local Board member) is honoured to be nominated to represent the Flat Bush, Ormiston community. Previously a Manukau City Councillor, has always supported Barry Curtis Park development, Ormiston Town Centre, and the iconic Ormiston Bridge which all set the scene for this wonderful area. However he feels that we have been let down with council services, and will advocate strongly for completion of a council Library, Community Centre, Pool and Leisure Centre. With such a multicultural population there is much need for these facilities to serve as a heart for the area where people come together. David is known for getting things done through his local government experience and passion for the community and will ensure past financial development contributions are directed back to our area to ensure we have quality facilities like the rest of Auckland. Vote David Collings and all C&R Candidates.

Howick Local Board (Flat Bush Subdivision)

Flat Bush First

Candidate statement

Born in Fiji, I have spent more than 20 years serving South and East Auckland through volunteering and community service with youths, local groups, schools, NGOs, and the public sector. By day, I’m a business lecturer and program manager. Current elected Co-Chair of Auckland Council’s Ethnic Communities Advisory Panel, a Health NZ Consumer Council member, and a board member for Ormiston Primary, Junior, Senior and Mission Heights Primary. President, Trustee and Patron for several ethnic and Pacific NGOs. Flat Bush is our home — it’s our responsibility to vote for a strong local representation first time. I stand for affordable rates, weekly rubbish collection, safer neighborhoods, more school crossings, overdue facilities delivered faster, sustainable development, better civic engagement with the Howick Local Board, migrant support, and a connected community. Please give one of your votes to Krish Naidu — your truly independent voice putting Flat Bush First, fearlessly and faithfully.

Howick Local Board (Flat Bush Subdivision)

Candidate statement

Joseph loves Flat Bush because it is an ethnically diverse area with different cultures and religions. As a concerned family man Joseph has worked closely with non-profit and non-government agencies with various culturally diverse organisations. Joseph is offering himself for election due to a strong passion for community service, to reach out and help needy people, to contribute effectively to improve facilities in the ward, and of the general well being and prosperity of everyone. Joseph feels and care others, there are a few pressing issues in the community, which need addressing and Joseph would like to be your voice for those issues. Such as transport, homelessness, local youth leadership, control spending, unemployment, affordable housing, environment, health and safety issues. It is important that we handle these core matters in-depth to be able to provide safer and healthier communities. Please vote for Joseph Rebello.

Howick Local Board (Flat Bush Subdivision)

Independent

Candidate statement

I ask for your vote to serve you as your representative on the Howick Local Board. I will use my 16 years experience as a past city councillor for Howick, and as Member of Parliament for Botany, to work on your behalf, deliver local services, reduce non-essential costs, and find more efficient ways for Council to operate. Flat Bush is growing fast and needs more community facilities, and you deserve to receive more value for your rates. We urgently need a library and aquatic centre in Flat Bush. East Auckland requires a rapid transport connection between Botany and Flat Bush, through to Manukau and the airport. Young families in this expanding community need investment in parks, playgrounds and quality open spaces. My experience means I understand council and government processes. I know how to achieve results for you and get things done. Please vote Jami-Lee Ross for Howick Local Board.

Howick Local Board (Flat Bush Subdivision)

Candidate statement

I am a self made woman who forged her path in the tech industry. Today I am a proven technology leader, ready to champion your vision. As a proud resident of Flat Bush, I understand our unique community. My priority is to ensure our rapidly growing community has the infrastructure, services & voice it deserves. Safety - Advocate for safer community with pattroling & presence of law officers; Increase CCTV in densely populated areas; Help create a neighbourhood watch program. Wellbeing - Ensure leisure & community centre are completed on time; Create opportunities for connections & bring communities closer through festivals & events that celebrate our rich heritage. Infrastructure & Growth - Make it safer for drivers & pedestrians through roundabouts & traffic lights; Ensure eastern busway & airport rapid transport are completed on time; Help grow local businesses & provide support to them.

Howick Local Board (Flat Bush Subdivision)

Candidate statement

Dynamic and multifaceted professional with over 19 years of experience in the financial industry, including leadership roles at Westpac and MTF Finance. Proven track record as a Bank Manager, Regional Distribution Manager and Mobile Mortgage Manager, with strong expertise in business development, client relationship management, and strategic growth. Holds a level 5 qualification in financial services, along with a Master's in English and a Bachelor's in Psychology and English Honour's, reflecting strong communication and analytical skills. Also a certified Yoga Instructor for over 6 years, with a parallel entrepreneurial journey running a successful baking and cake business in India. Adept at balancing business acumen with a holistic approach to personal and professional growth, I bring a unique combination of leadership, creative, resilience, and empathy to every role. Committed to delivering value - driven outcomes and building meaningful connections in every aspect of work and life.

Howick Local Board (Flat Bush Subdivision)

Independent

Candidate statement

I'm a proud Kiwi who has called East Auckland home for over 20 years. I'm standing for the Howick Flatbush Local Board because I believe our fast-growing community deserves strong, local voices who understand the challenges we face. Flatbush is full of energy and potential, and I'd love to see our neighbourhoods thrive as we continue to grow. I'm passionate about supporting initiatives that strengthen families and all generations. With spaces where children can learn and play, opportunities for youth, parents, and grandparents to connect and belong. I'll champion local business and economic development, helping keep our community vibrant and resilient especially in these tough economic times. With the right facilities, community hubs, and thoughtfully planned resources, let's keep the pace with growth while protecting what makes this area special. Together, we'll build a more connected, thriving East Auckland. Let's shape our future together.

Howick Local Board (Flat Bush Subdivision)

Healthy and Happy

Candidate statement

As a Howick Board member for nine years, I have a proven record of collaboration and community engagement on a long-term mission to build a healthy and happy community. I partnered with local organisations to host free cultural events and create safe community networks, fostering connections and celebrating diversity. I advocated for affordable rates, encouraged business development, and provided fitness opportunities, such as acquiring council approval for a new library, community centre, and aquatic centre in Ormiston. As a JP and Founder of the Botany and Flatbush Ethnic Association (BFEA), I am proud BFEA is a community hub for fitness and cultural events, including free yoga on Sundays, promoting wellbeing in Botany and Flatbush. Through regular events and interactive sessions, I gather feedback that informs local projects and priorities. My wife, Pauline, and I have lived in Botany for 25 years. Please vote for 'Healthy and Happy' team.

Howick Local Board (Flat Bush Subdivision)

Healthy and Happy

Candidate statement

Kia Ora! I'm Kai Zeng, a proud Aucklander and Master of Public Administration graduate from an Ivy League university. After returning from America, I saw too many friends leaving Aotearoa for better opportunities. That's why I'm standing for the Howick Local Board (Flat Bush): to help create a healthy, happy, thriving community. I combine youthful drive with grounded experience from roles with the Botany & Flatbush Ethnic Association, Southern Cross Academy, and as a committed volunteer. I stand for: Fair local rates; Local employment opportunities; Better youth spaces like Ormiston Town Centre Library and Community Hub; Practical education pathways; Clean waterways and green spaces; Timely completion of the Eastern Busway; More Investment in pools, playgrounds, and sports fields. Let's build a healthy, happy, and prosperous Howick with leaders who spark actionable, measurable, and accountable change. Please vote for 'Healthy and Happy team'!