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The information on this page has been provided by the candidates. It does not reflect the views or positions of Auckland Council.
Eric Boon Leong CHUAH
Candidate for Kaipātiki Local Board
Independent
Candidate statement
Eric Chuah former party strategist and electorate candidate for United NZ Hon. Peter Dunne who won the seat of Ohariu-Belmont in Wellington, and former candidate for a centrist party for Auckland seat of Maungakiekie (2023 elections) will be running for the Auckland Mayoralty, Ward (North Shore), and Kaipatiki Local Board. Dr. Eric Chuah as Independent candidate, combines academic teaching/research in psychology, sociology and business, policy development for Immigration policy (legislated in German Parliament 2020). with problem-solving consulting experience. He will provide pragmatic Action Plans to create and implement strategic vision for better delivery of local council services, minimize increase in rates, reduce unnecessary council spending and ensure safer policing and noise control for local residents and businesses. As a Lion Clubs/RSA member, he states, 'Serving locally requires a balanced nonpartisan approach eschewing left/right politics focused on cost savings, fair and positive outcomes for all Aucklanders.'
Why I want to be elected
I want to be elected to ensure transparency, accountability, and responsibility in allocation of funds for Kaipatiki. This is to ensure we are beholden to ratepayers and residents who elect me. I want to provide checks and balances to reduce ad hoc rush through temporary solutions that later create long term problems and cost overruns. The left/right gridlock with the left increase rates and spend mentality has seen 40% increase in rates in 2 years and now another 48% stated by a councilor.
My key skills and qualities
My skill set which includes policy analytics, development, research and Action Plans (AP) is sorely needed with Kaipatiki Board as this skill set is combined with on the ground Kiwi work experience as insurance broker for farms/businesses/individuals, management as assistant manager for telesales, Telstra Territory Manager for Karori, Asia Pacific Manager for Fire Denyers International Kiwi company that won Housing NZ Award in 2010 for installing over 10000 auto alarm systems for KaingaOra homes
My top three key issues
1.Liaise with stakeholders public and private to resolve floodwaters within the Watercare Services $700 million Plan to ensure no cost overruns in areas that are flood prone such Wairau, Forrest Hill, some parts of Glenfield to ensure safety for residents. 2. Reduce road cones costs which has ballooned to $1.4 billion in 5 years where each cone is charged at $5-6 per cone, so 200 cones in a side road each day cost $1000 x 3 years. 3.Ensure transparency in tenders and contract services awards.
My position on key topics
Transport
1. Roads: ensure that current projects are completed within timeframes as in contract to reduce cost overruns 2. Public transport: since AT will be back in the control of Auckland Council. will liaise with local AT officials to ensure smooth efficient services. 3. Ensure existing parks and walkpaths, cycleways are maintained for safety of residents 4. Will evaluate other transport options where on Tuesdays elderly may have feeder buses from their residential villages for connectivity
Water
We should manage water services and waste management efficiently within the current $700 million Watercare plan to ensure no exorbitant over expenditure that will end up increasing rates and rents, load Kaipatiki with further debt. Last council meeting July 31st 2025 one councilor stated in public that rates may rise 48% that is unacceptable. Quality of water supply needs to be monitored frequently and Action Plans initiated to ensure stormwater systems are integrated to mitigate flooding.
Built environment
Urban development needs to be within Auckland's Unitary Plan in compliance with building codes for property development and subdivisions. Though the RMA legislated in 1991 was relevant then there are provisions that needs to be changed due to increased population pressures for Auckland. This does not mean 'you throw out good aspects of the plan you keep that and improvised; you don't throw the baby out because of dirty bathwater'. Ensuring safety is also important when building up.
Natural environment
Biodiversity and Auckland's recreational spaces still need to be maintained, as we are not a developing country where haphazard development, building on top of each other later create flooding. thus water catchments, streams, parks need to be maintained , within its proper flow to reduce flooding, soil erosion. Trees have roots that hold the soil. Example here is Beach Haven Park and Walkways with trees over 100 years old but strong roots to prevent flooding and maintain climate resilience.
Community
I will adopt a community sharing approach, liaising with public/private stakeholders. Hold community events with Kaipatiki Board approval celebrating communities in diversity. In Kaipatiki we have strong communities and holding food fairs enjoying Filipino, Asian, European festivals are helpful in fostering unity. Local services such as refuse bins in parks needs to be maintained with working public toilets, but we have to reduce spending on 'artistic colorful toilets' costing $1 million over.
Economic and cultural development
Current businesses needs to work together with Kaipatiki board to hold food fairs to help promote their businesses. Factories that are already established such as the Disability needs to be promoted to ensure those with disabilities have the hope, future and self-esteem to strive and be part of our vibrant Auckland/Kaipatiki community. It is important to promote our cultural heritage which Kaipatiki board has done well especially ANZAC Day where Board members attended with Local MP Dan Bidois.
Well-managed local government and outcomes for Māori
Maori as Treaty of Waitangi signatories with the Crown in 1835 our NZ founding document as a nation needs to be acknowledged and respected. Maori businesses from the respective Iwis can work together to grow the Auckland Future Fund which currently has 1.34 billion still uninvested. there can be joint ventures locally at Kaipatiki Board level. Port of Auckland has been exemplary in ensuring output throughput of freight containers due to the responsible Port of Auckland Union (no strikes)
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.