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Dave KAIO

Dave KAIO

Candidate for Kaipātiki Local Board

Shore Action

Candidate statement

Ngāpuhi, Te Rarawa My name is Dave Kaio. I'm a proud father and grandfather with whakapapa to Ngāpuhi and Te Rarawa. I served in the Royal New Zealand Navy, worked in Justice, Youth Development, and now a Regional Policy Lead at Te Puni Kōkiri. I believe in practical leadership and strong community outcomes - backing rangatahi, whānau, and local businesses. I'm also a member of the Institute of Directors and bring sound governance and accountability to the role. My priorities include youth employment through apprenticeships and vocational training, better transport and safer roads, smart infrastructure planning that supports growth, restoring local waterways, and backing Māori enterprise through council procurement and community engagement. I'll work to ensure Kaipātiki thrives - growing strong, safe, and sustainable communities where people are supported to succeed. Please support the Shore Action Team; #8TicksShoreAction; www.shoreaction.org.nz

Why I want to be elected

I want to be elected to deliver practical leadership and strong community outcomes—backing rangatahi, whānau and local businesses. With sound governance and accountability, I’ll prioritise youth employment, safer roads, smarter infrastructure, restoring waterways and supporting Māori enterprise. My goal is to ensure Kaipātiki thrives as a safe, sustainable, and prosperous community.

My key skills and qualities

I bring proven leadership, integrity, and community focus as a proud father and grandfather with whakapapa to Ngāpuhi and Te Rarawa. My service in the Royal New Zealand Navy built discipline and resilience, while roles in Justice and Youth Development strengthened my commitment to fairness and supporting rangatahi. As a Regional Policy Lead at Te Puni Kōkiri, I apply strategic thinking, governance and collaboration to achieve strong outcomes for all whānau and communities.

My top three key issues

Good infrastructure is at the heart of strong communities, so I’ll prioritise smart investment that supports growth, improves transport links and keeps our roads safe. My top issues also include creating real opportunities for youth through apprenticeships and vocational training and backing Māori enterprise by ensuring council procurement and community engagement strengthen local businesses and whānau prosperity. My priorities focus on infrastructure, jobs and sustainable economic growth.

My position on key topics

  • Transport

    Kaipātiki needs safer roads, reliable buses and better walking and cycling links. Congestion on key routes like Onewa Rd impacts families and businesses. I’ll push for stronger ferry and bus services and safer crossings, while ensuring Auckland-wide projects like CRL and the Eastern Busway connect well into our community.

  • Water

    Restoring Kaipātiki’s streams and beaches (including the Waitematā) is vital. I’ll support stormwater upgrades and reducing wastewater over-flows so our waterways are clean and safe. Planning for future supply must include protecting local catchments, while partnering with iwi and community groups to safeguard water quality for future generations.

  • Built environment

    Kaipātiki’s built environment must balance growth with protecting our taonga—bush reserves, heritage, and green spaces. I’ll support well-planned housing near transport corridors, ensuring new development is affordable and sustainable. Investment in infrastructure must improve transport, support youth access to jobs and training and create space for Māori enterprise and local businesses to grow, strengthening Kaipātiki’s economy and community wellbeing.

  • Natural environment

    Kaipātiki has some of Tamaki Makaurau's most valued bush reserves and coastal areas. I’ll prioritise restoring native flora and fauna, tackling pests and protecting our coastlines from flooding and erosion. Climate resilience means investing in green infrastructure locally and partnering with volunteers, schools, and iwi to keep our natural taonga thriving.

  • Community

    Kaipātiki thrives on strong local facilities like our libraries, sports clubs, and community centres. I’ll ensure fair funding supports their renewal and growth. Supporting youth programmes, rangatahi pathways, and inclusive community events will build pride, safety, and connection across our diverse neighbourhoods.

  • Economic and cultural development

    Supporting local businesses in Beachaven, Glenfield, Birkenhead and Northcote is a priority. I’ll champion council procurement that backs Māori and community enterprises, while helping local businesses to grow and create jobs. I want to strengthen Kaipātiki’s economy and build pride in our diverse community.

  • Well-managed local government and outcomes for Māori

    Good governance in Kaipātiki means being transparent and accountable, ensuring public money delivers real value for our community. I’ll support smart investment in local infrastructure and services that strengthen neighbourhoods and improve daily life. I will champion Māori outcomes—through whenua development, rangatahi training, and ensuring mana whenua are included in local decision-making. I’ll also back resilient storm recovery planning to keep Kaipātiki safe and prepared.

Candidate's supporting links

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Disclaimer

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