Disclaimer
The information on this page has been provided by the candidates. It does not reflect the views or positions of Auckland Council.
Peter YOUNG
Candidate for 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.
Why I want to be elected
For me it's all about giving back to the community. As a Howick Board member for nine years, I have a proven record of collaboration and community engagement. I partnered with local organisations to host free cultural events and create safe community networks. I advocated for affordable rates, encouraged business development, and provided fitness opportunities. And I wish to continue building our healthy and happy communities together with young leaders and you all.
My key skills and qualities
As a volunteer, justice of peace, real estate agent, and long time resident, I bring deep knowledge for the area and local governance. I am fluent in three languages and enjoy empowering the community, championing local voices, and engaging with residents. Through regular events and interactive sessions, I gather feedback that informs local projects and priorities. My family have lived in Botany for 25 years, driven to build Healthy and Happy communities together.
My top three key issues
1. Build Things: I will follow up the Flat Bush’s first library, aquatic centre, and community halls to completion. 2. Not enough Multi-Culture Events : I’ve hosted many events in our Botany & Flat Bush Ethnic Association and with other associations. I’ll keep backing local workshops, sports and cultural festivals. 3. Local Safety & Business Support: having walked these streets for decades, I’ll expand CCTV, support neighbourhood patrols, and help small businesses and seniors feel secure.
My position on key topics
Transport
I’ve heard from many residents – we need less talking, more action. As someone who's been a developer, I will: • Push for the completion of the Eastern Busway and Airport Rapid Transport. • Reduce congestions on Te Irirangi Dr, Flat Bush School Rd, Chapel Rd, and Thomas Rd. • More bus stops in Flat Bush. • Establish better off-street parking to reduce overflow.
Water
Here, flooding, erosion, and rubbish are serious problems. We have good people doing good work so let’s keep it up. I’ll continue working with my friends and my teammate the young and talented Kai Zeng to organise monthly clean-ups, protect wetlands, and demand Watercare and Council give us clear updates, transparent budgets, and simplify the steps of reporting the illegal dumping. I’ll suggest a reasonable lower water costs.
Built environment
As someone who has long-time experience in real estate, I believe growth must be done with care and purpose. • Keep locals informed — no more hidden decisions. • Demand updates on things like missing bus shelters or unfinished construction sites. • And I’ll protect the heritage buildings in Howick and East Tāmaki — by bringing in local voices, including our elders. • Building more fenced children’s playgrounds. Following up the completion of the Eastern Busway and Airport Rapid Transport complet
Natural environment
I believe access to nature is the key to a healthy and happy life. I want our children and grandchildren to enjoy that too. I’ll continue working with other members for our conservation organisations, as well as my teammate Kai Zeng on this goal. • Support groups restoring native bush and school projects teaching environmental care. • Push for eco-conscious building, involving the community before construction. • Growth and green spaces can go together — this I truly believe.
Community
I believe in celebrating our diversity through shared experiences. That’s why I founded the Botany & Flat Bush Ethnic Association. • I’ll champion for more community event funding and support both targeted and inclusive events for seniors, youth, new migrants, and families in the Botany and Flat Bush area. • I’ll continue posting on social media, with the help of Council, libraries, schools, and local groups, to promote our vibrant local events.
Economic and cultural development
As a migrant and businessman myself, I started with little. I know how hard our local businesses work. • I want council to support our small businesses, giving them tools, not red tape. • I want more local business growth and more local jobs. • Let’s grow cultural markets, workshops, and spaces that reflect our rich migrant heritage. • I’ll empower our young aspiring leaders — they are the bridge to the future.
Well-managed local government and outcomes for Māori
We are stronger when we walk together. That’s why I connect with all members in our communities. I’ll keep building relationships between Māori and non-Māori through shared values, joint events, and co-decision making. Whether it's storm recovery, port management, or new projects — the future of Howick is one we must all shape, together, with aroha and unity.
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.