Disclaimer
The information on this page has been provided by the candidates. It does not reflect the views or positions of Auckland Council.
Ngozi PENSON
Candidate for Kaipātiki Local Board
Candidate statement
Kia ora. I've lived in Kaipātiki since 1998, raised two children who went to local schools. My background includes working in business, teaching adults', charitable work, and serving on boards in health and education. I also hold a Master's in Applied Management and have a strong track record of advocacy, both locally and nationally. I've seen Kaipātiki change over the years, and I've noticed the current board hasn't kept up. I want to help make things better. I'm asking for your vote. If elected, I'll push for reliable public transport, support smart plans to ease traffic, and stand against wasteful spending. I'll back efforts to improve safety, strengthen community ties, and celebrate our diversity. Kaipātiki is growing, and the challenges are complex. Now more than ever, we need strong, independent voices on our local board. I'm ready to be one of them. Vote for Ngozi. Vote for change. Email: Ngozi.nz2025@gmail.com
Why I want to be elected
I’ve seen Kaipātiki change over the years—and I’ve noticed the current board hasn’t kept up. I want to help make things better. If elected, I’ll push for reliable public transport, support smart plans to ease traffic, and stand against wasteful spending. I’ll back efforts to improve safety, strengthen community ties, and celebrate our diversity. Kaipātiki is growing, and the challenges are complex. Now more than ever, we need strong voices on our local board. We need new ways to solve problems.
My key skills and qualities
My background includes business start up and management, teaching adults’, charitable work, and serving on boards in health and education. I also hold a Master’s in Applied Management and have a strong track record of advocacy, both locally and nationally. I am a people person, can connect and communicate across cultures. I draw on community strength and have led projects to address complex challenges with great result. I am adept and pragmatic when it comes to finding solutions to problem.
My top three key issues
Kaipātiki deserves reliable public transport, safer streets, and stronger community engagement. I’ll advocate for and support smarter investment in public transport, walking, cycling, and push for inclusive planning that reflects our diverse needs. People don’t need to be stuck in traffic as they do now which impacts wellbeing. I’ll work with local groups to improve safety, build trust, and create welcoming spaces. I will work to make Kaipātiki more connected, sustainable, and future ready.
My position on key topics
Transport
Kaipātiki is home to many people who drive to work and are stuck in traffic due to poor planning and limited transport options. I will support better bus routes, affordable ferry services, light rail options, free park-and-ride stations, and safer walking and cycling paths. Reliable, affordable public transport will reduce emissions, cut travel costs, and boost productivity. We need to improve connectivity, linking parks, schools and local town centers and support businesses to succeed.
Water
We need smarter ways to manage rainwater and reduce flooding. Investment in new technology will help manage risks. I will back projects to meet future drinking water demand on the North Shore and invest in research that will future-proof wastewater and stormwater systems. I’ll support initiatives such as education and workshops that empower community-led water solutions. Better water management needs all of us to work together. Transparency, better engagement and community approach is required.
Built environment
Kaipātiki is experiencing rapid housing intensification, especially in Northcote, where the town centre isn’t keeping pace. More homes with unchanged roads mean growing congestion. While housing affordability matters, it must be better planned through strong community engagement and needs-based solutions. I’ll advocate for inclusive planning that draws on local insights, including businesses to ensure development enhances quality of life and reflects the values of those who live in Kaipātiki.
Natural environment
Kaipātiki natural reserves and biodiversity make it a place we’re proud to call home. I’ll support strategic planning and initiatives that protect our environment while reducing compliance costs for local businesses working closely with nature. Community engagement is key. I’ll promote ideas that build resilience and support climate action by drawing on input from those most at risk. Together, we can create lasting, collaborative solutions. We need to include our community voices in planning.
Community
Community engagement requires approaches that genuinely enable participation. To build trust and encourage involvement, I’ll work to ensure proposed engagement meetings are fair, inclusive, and accessible so people from across the community feel empowered to take part. Community contributions are vital to improving local services, as they help us understand real needs and invest in meaningful solutions. Kaipātiki’s diversity is a strength and effective engagement will improve outcomes.
Economic and cultural development
Attracting businesses to Kaipātiki will boost the local economy, create local jobs, and reduce travel time and carbon emissions. I’ll support infrastructure investment and projects that build business capacity. We need town centres that are vibrant, fit for purposes, support local business growth, and host cultural events that bring people together. Supporting local business is key to economic growth and celebrating our community’s diversity will promote a sense of belonging.
Well-managed local government and outcomes for Māori
I will support the Kia Ora Tamaki Makaurau Framework for promoting the unique Māori identity and culture. I will advocate for stronger engagement between local Iwi, mana whenua, the Kaipātiki Local Board, and our community. By incorporating Te Ao Māori into decision-making, we can improve outcomes for Māori and all of Kaipātiki. Celebrating cultural diversity through events, better consultation, and drawing on Māori values will help build deeper understanding and connection.