Disclaimer
The information on this page has been provided by the candidates. It does not reflect the views or positions of Auckland Council.
Bruce KENDALL
Candidate for Howick Local Board (Pakuranga Subdivision)
C&R - Communities and Residents
Candidate statement
Based on multiple Olympic medal winning experiences as an athlete and coach, long time local, vast global and diverse business experience and father, I’m well placed to help our community towards a better future. I’ve been a Local Board Member over the last 6 years. I’ll continue working with residents, Auckland Council and MPs to address key issues, ensuring our area receives its fair share of funding while advocating for smarter spending with better results. I’m focused on tackling Crime, polluted water ways, inappropriate developments, transport & roading issues, inadequate council infrastructure and services, coastal erosion and improving the natural environment. I’m committed to ensuring our area is a better place to live, work and play. See projects I’m involved with on Face Book: Bucklands Beaches Restoration and Upgrade Project; The Tamaki Estuary Environmental Forum; Tamaki Estuary Protection Society. Vote C&R Team – Bruce Kendall MBE, Sarah Kavanagh, Jack Collins.
Why I want to be elected
I’m committed to helping our community, council, and environment by using 6 years of council relationships, global business skills, 60 years of local knowledge and connections to deliver value, cut waste, and get things done. I’ll continue to engage with residents, monitor issues, visit sites, respond to every call and email, represent you on council & government feedback requests and be at every meeting possible in person.
My key skills and qualities
Married father of two with elderly parents, strong family values, and deep community ties. Olympic Gold Medalist and coach, skilled at leading diverse teams with varying resources. Tenacious, practical, and results-driven, with integrity and focus on value for money. Global travel and friendships give me empathy for immigrants, and I enjoy helping them integrate and thrive as much as I enjoy supporting long-term and new residents and youth.
My top three key issues
I’m passionate about stopping wasteful spending and improving council accountability to deliver value without constant rate hikes or negative effects from budget cuts. I’ll push for efficient solutions to worsening transport, parking, and against inappropriate housing. I’ll strongly advocate for faster, cost-effective action to protect our environment from pollution, erosion, pests, and misuse of public spaces.
My position on key topics
Transport
Morning traffic flow needs to be improved by improved school drop off systems and smarter intersection designs. Public transport needs to be on time, shorter walking distances to bus stops, better express bus services and timely connections between services. Foot paths need better repairs and the removal of trees that damage them. We need cost effective, safe, efficient, and better connected routes for cycling and alternative transport that don’t impact road traffic or pedestrians.
Water
The Tāmaki Estuary faces 390 sewage spills a year, and our creeks are often Auckland’s most polluted. The public needs real-time water sensors and safety alerts to know when, where, and how safe it is to be in or on the water or fish, stronger education to protect water resources, and better council responses to pollution. Our stormwater, wastewater, and water networks are aging, failing, and over capacity — they need better monitoring, stronger advocacy and urgent upgrades.
Built environment
Suitable infrastructure and public services need to keep pace with housing intensification. Intensification should only be close to efficient public transport net networks. New builds in narrow streets should provide off street parking to allow streets to flow and to charge electric cars. Valuable view shafts, sunlight for new and existing dwellings and storm water management should be limiting factors for new developments.
Natural environment
Water quality sensors in our stream network to identify pollution sources & stop reoccurrence’s, so native biodiversity thrives supporting threatened eels, native birds, dolphin & Orca visiting the Tamaki Estuary. Better shoreline & stream management can reduce erosion, improve climate resilience & prevent silt killing species with gills. Support community groups to wage a War on Weeds which smother native trees. More native tree planting & managing native bird predators, improves biodiversity
Community
To help our community connect, integrate, and thrive, council must support diverse sports, recreation, arts, cultural and food events, environmental projects, Pest Free Howick, and the Howick Youth Council. Playgrounds, sports areas, libraries, community houses, the Citizens Advice Bureau, fitness centres, pools, and hired venues, together, should cater to all ages and needs. They can also provide meeting spaces and foster social interaction.
Economic and cultural development
Council needs to support and help promote local events, business associations, tourism organizations, local procurement for council works and celebrating successes to help boost economic growth. Pakuranga’s historical sites are unique and need better maintenance and historical stories made more accessible with QR codes. Pakuranga’s population is very diverse. Each culture needs to be celebrated and stories told in local festivals and celebrations with food, dance and art.
Well-managed local government and outcomes for Māori
Council must work closely with mana whenua and Māori communities to ensure their voices are heard, respected, reflected in decisions, and their stories shared. Council should retain the Port of Auckland, ensuring efficient import distribution and lower transport costs that benefit all Aucklanders. The Future Fund principal must be protected and well managed to deliver strong returns, which can then fund essential infrastructure, and help provide a reserve for emergencies like storm recovery.
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.