Disclaimer
The information on this page has been provided by the candidates. It does not reflect the views or positions of Auckland Council.
Pat ARROYO
Candidate for Howick Local Board (Pakuranga Subdivision)
ACT Local
Candidate statement
Howick Local Board has consistently ignored public facilities, wasted ratepayer money on unnecessary projects, and made choices based on ideology over common sense. Pakuranga residents deserve better. It's time for a change to focus on what truly matters. As a long-time Pakuranga local with a strong background in community service and COO leadership, I understand the issues our neighbourhood faces, and have the experience to provide practical, responsible solutions to bring real value from your rates, and ensure Pakuranga’s voice is heard. By voting for me as an ACT Local candidate, you will get a pledge for cost-effective advocacy: I will support real investment where it is needed, reject all wasteful unnecessary spending, ensure proper maintenance of public spaces and streets, and advocate for less congestion through practical, community-led traffic solutions. For common sense, accountability, and a new practical focus on our board, please give me one of your votes.
Why I want to be elected
Higher rates, growing bureaucracy, wasteful projects, and neglected basics have let ratepayers down. It’s time to refocus on what matters: safe streets, reliable infrastructure, quality education, and real value for money. Having lived in Pakuranga for over 18 years, I understand our community’s needs. I will bring practical, common-sense solutions to deliver change locally. By voting for me as your ACT candidate, you can be confident I will keep rates under control, stop wasteful spending.
My key skills and qualities
My key skills and qualities are that I’m a business owner and community advocate with real-world problem-solving experience. I know how to get things done and hold decision-makers accountable. I will keep rates low, ensure essential services are maintained to a high standard, and restore transparency so residents can see where their money goes. I am an honest person who wants to contribute to my community in a way that can make a real difference.
My top three key issues
• Lower rates, stopping waste and keeping the council focused on essentials. • Less waste: ending unnecessary projects and cutting bureaucracy. • Better services: fixing roads, clearing drains, collecting rubbish, and maintaining public spaces.
My position on key topics
Transport
I will prioritise the basics: maintaining footpaths, clearing drains, and keeping traffic flowing. I will oppose anti-car policies like excessive speed bumps, road narrowing, and poorly planned cycleways. Transport choices should be practical, locally decided, and serve the community’s needs. We need to take a good look at the projects that have been proposed and review the expected outcomes, including ROI, which in public projects is also important
Water
I will support projects that address flooding, clear blocked drains, and strengthen stormwater infrastructure. We need real investment in pipes and pumps, not vanity projects, so Aucklanders have reliable, affordable water and wastewater services. We all know what we need; we all ask ourselves why it has not been done. I would like to have an answer as well, and inform my residents what is going on and why it is taking so long
Built environment
I will oppose red tape that blocks sensible development while making sure infrastructure keeps up. I support housing density around key transport hubs, building where it makes sense, so Auckland can grow without burdening ratepayers. Planning has shown deficiencies beyond human error; the reality is, we are not planning properly. Regarding heritage, we need to start from the basics and define what we understand by heritage and protect what we all agree needs to be protected.
Natural environment
I will back pest control, coastal protection, and flood management, but stop wasting money on political climate projects that don’t deliver. The focus must be on practical work that benefits both nature and our communities. Every dollar counts, and we must be efficient in the way we spend ratepayers' money. While I agree our New Zealand is a beautiful place and we should do everything in our power to keep it that way, we must prioritise our limited resources.
Community
I will get the basics right: fixing walkways, maintaining community centres and libraries, and supporting local events. Safe public spaces and well-run facilities are the foundation of a strong community, and in Pakuranga, we have a strong community that can benefit from well-maintained facilities, activities that bring people together and keep our youngest away from trouble. Sports activities are one of the best ways to engage youth into discipline, commitment, responsibility and pride.
Economic and cultural development
I will work with local businesses to revitalise town centres, improve safety and foot traffic, and cut red tape to make it easier to run markets, events, and local initiatives. Strong businesses mean vibrant communities, more investment, better quality of life, lower crime and an increase in attracting people who want to visit, and why not live in our community.
Well-managed local government and outcomes for Māori
I believe all residents should be treated equally. I will campaign to remove voting rights for unelected Independent Māori Statutory Board members on council committees or anyone who is not democratically elected. Strategic assets like the Port of Auckland and the Future Fund must be managed efficiently to lower rates, strengthen resilience, improve profitability, and cut waste. Having said that, my priority is local board, Pakuranga, here is where we need to be more efficient first.
Candidate's supporting links
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