Disclaimer
The information on this page has been provided by the candidates. It does not reflect the views or positions of Auckland Council.
Kai ZENG
Candidate for 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'!
Why I want to be elected
At 25, back in Aotearoa with an Ivy League degree in Public Administration, I know how government, business, and non-profits can work together to solve real problems. Flat Bush is growing fast, but our community facilities haven’t kept up. My mission? Bridge communities and create lasting, practical change: build the aquatic centre, youth hub, and neighbourhood events that reflect us. My focus is on local outcomes that make it easier to stay, thrive, and raise family right here in Howick.
My key skills and qualities
I’ve led youth mentoring, organised neighbourhood clean-ups, advised start-ups, building cross-cultural partnerships. I bring critical thinking, community engagement, and zero tolerance for political fluff. My mantra is: listen first, act second, and follow through with decisions that plan for today and for future generations. I also believe it’s important to know when council should step in – and when it should just trust the communities and the market.
My top three key issues
1. Build Things: Push for Flat Bush’s first public pool. Speed up delivery of the full Ormiston Town Centre plan: we need the library, youth hub, and proper public halls. 2. Events, not just buildings: Let’s fill our space with sport leagues, career workshops, and seasonal cultural festivals run by local groups with proper funding and council support. 3. Local Safety + Business Support: Put to use our neighbourhood patrols, CCTV, and crime alert network for residents and small businesses.
My position on key topics
Transport
We don’t need more reports. We need follow-through: • Fund and finish the construction of the Eastern Busway. • Fix pedestrian safety at Te Irirangi Dr, Flat Bush School Rd, Chapel Rd, and Thomas Rd – too many near-misses. • Push for more sheltered bus stops – especially for school routes. • Tackle off-street parking in Flat Bush to reduce traffic overflow. And it’s not about blaming those that park, it’s about solving the problem we all share.
Water
Flooding, erosion, and littering is a rising concern for drains, East Tamaki River, and other waterways. There’s already some good progress but let’s continue. I will work with community leaders in organising one community trash clean-ups every one or two months, upholding our wetland buffers, and holding Watercare and Council accountable with clearer timelines, budget transparency, and easier public reporting of illegal dumping.
Built environment
Growth should be people-first: transparent, efficient, and future-focused. So locals know what’s happening and why. I’ll: • make sure Howick Local Board’s long-term plan and meeting outcomes are properly communicated with the public and developers. • Be the enforcer for updates on unfinished footpaths or missing bus shelters. • Protect our remaining heritage buildings in Howick Village and East Tamaki by inviting local residents and organisations to the decision-making process.
Natural environment
The bottom line is: economic growth and environmental growth should go hand-in-hand and not compromise one other. We can have BOTH. I’ll back conservation groups restoring native bush and support school projects promoting awareness and action on protecting our natural environment without compromising economic growth, working with other local board members and local community leaders that cherish our environment. I’ll also back co-designing eco projects with developers before they start building.
Community
Strong communities are made in the moments we share. I’ll champion for more funding and help organisations apply for such funding for both targeted events (by age, ethnicity, profession, etc.) and all-inclusive gatherings (family events, markets, and festivals), like in Barry Curtis Park. Easy access to info is key, I will set up a Flat Bush Community Calendar (online and other formats) with monthly events with support from libraries, East Auckland Tourism, and local organisations I’m in.
Economic and cultural development
I believe local businesses know their stuff best. Instead of making all decisions for them, government ought to provide stewardship and create an environment where each local business can thrive – with the right tools, light-touch rules, and council support that actually helps. We have a strong migrant presence in Flat Bush, myself included, and I wish to reflect that in cultural markets, workshops, and events. And I’ll be sure to include our youth leaders to help connect our communities.
Well-managed local government and outcomes for Māori
Stronger ties = stronger outcomes. I’m here to strengthen ties between our Māori and non-Māori brethren through shared Kaupapa, events, and decision-making. We all share the vision of a prosperous, safe, healthy, and diverse Howick built on aroha. Unity is about celebrating what makes us unique while working toward the same future.
Candidate's supporting links
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