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Sonia SINGH

Sonia SINGH

Candidate for 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.

Why I want to be elected

As a proud resident of Flat Bush , I am standing for the Local Board to ensure our fast-growing community gets the attention, investment, and infrastructure it deserves. Flat Bush is one of Auckland’s most diverse and dynamic areas — but our services, roads, parks, and facilities are struggling to keep up with growth. I believe it’s time for strong, local leadership that puts our community’s needs first.

My key skills and qualities

Dynamic and multifaceted professional with over 19 years of experience in the financial services industry, including leadership roles, 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. Passionate previous Yoga instructor for over six years, with a parallel entrepreneurial journey running a successful baking and cake business in India.

My top three key issues

If elected, I will champion: • Improved public transport and safer roads for all residents, including pedestrians and cyclists. • Better planning and infrastructure, with more green spaces and well-designed community facilities. • Youth programs, environmental initiatives, and local events to strengthen community connection. • Support for local businesses and job creation to keep our economy strong and opportunities local.

My position on key topics

  • Transport

    Current transport facilities in Flatbush division is inadequate. I would like to see more raised zebra crossings, more yellow Lines specially around schools. In general have more parking , more bus stops, schools to have more picks up from newly developed areas. Get more feedback from general residents on what other pain points can I help With.

  • Water

    1. Saving water : Having more awareness of saving water and educate the residents on how best each house can contribute to it. 2. Robust Maintenance & Investment 3. Decentralized Resilience Promote rainwater harvesting, greywater reuse, and onsite treatment systems (e.g., for irrigation or toilet flushing). These reduce demand on central systems and increase resilience. Making Space for Water Having better infrastructure to keep up with increasing demands.

  • Built environment

    A key design principle is the greenfinger network, integrating ecological corridors, native bush, and natural waterways throughout the suburb. Supporting local businesses and Ormiston mall and make it more diverse for having more foot traffic to improve business. Housing design guidelines encourage flexibility, allowing redevelopment from standalone homes to terraces or apartments, while maintaining quality through setbacks, garden space, and street visibility.

  • Natural environment

    Developing Barry Curtis park . Bringing in more native plants and possibly making a botanical garden at the level which increases foot traffic towards this park and eventually support local businesses.

  • Community

    Public infrastructure includes five neighbourhood centres, seven new state schools, extensive roads upgrades (e.g., Ormiston Rd, bridges), and community facilities like aquatic and library centres. Swimming pool/ leisure centre

  • Economic and cultural development

    Increase foot traffic towards support local businesses, hold local events which are cultural and preserve each cultures heritage.

  • Well-managed local government and outcomes for Māori

    Mana Whenua Partnership: Move beyond consultation to co-governance and shared decision-making (e.g. like Tūpuna Maunga Authority). • Tino Rangatiratanga: Enable Māori self-determination in cultural, environmental, social, and economic outcomes. Port Relocation Feasibility Study Partial Port Land Reuse Seed with Port Lease Revenue Youth Investment Advisory Board Local Infrastructure Backing

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.

Disclaimer

The information on this page has been provided by the candidates. It does not reflect the views or positions of Auckland Council.