Disclaimer
The information on this page has been provided by the candidates. It does not reflect the views or positions of Auckland Council.
Gerald LOPEZ
Candidate for Kaipātiki Local Board
Candidate statement
As a 24-year Kaipatiki resident, I've built deep community roots through local photography exhibitions, teaching yoga and aikido, and raising my family here. My experience as a member, vice-chair and chair of various professional boards, and as a strategic marketing consultant, has equipped me with the leadership and organisational skills needed for effective local governance. I envision Kaipatiki as Auckland's premier family destination - culturally rich, environmentally beautiful, and economically vibrant. We need smart solutions to our traffic challenges, better environmental planning that enhances our natural beauty, and thoughtful development that attracts exciting businesses, light industries, and hospitality venues to create local jobs for our young people. My multicultural background, creative expertise, and proven track record in business planning, position me to help transform this vision into reality. I'm committed to preserving what makes Kaipatiki special - our beaches, bush, and community spirit - while building opportunities for future generations.
Why I want to be elected
As a 24-year resident, I want Kaipatiki to be a community which families proudly call home because it is a great place to live. Where quality amenities are within walking, cycling or short driving distance. Where new development creates vibrant neighborhoods with proper infrastructure. I'll expand Business Improvement Districts to all our town centres, connect youth programs with local employers, and ensure residents have real input into decisions that shape our community's future.
My key skills and qualities
I bring professional board experience with strategic decision-making and collaborative governance. My marketing and communications background ensures transparent community engagement and effective advocacy to AT and Council. With a law degree and postgraduate diploma, I quickly grasp complex policy frameworks. I'm doing intensive homework on local government processes because preparation matters. I combine genuine passion for Kaipatiki with the professional skills to deliver results.
My top three key issues
First, human-friendly development with proper infrastructure - creating neighborhoods where people want to linger, not just housing that adds to traffic problems. Second, destination town centres with quality businesses, as in Takapuna - expanding Business Improvement Districts to compete regionally. Third, local employment for young people - connecting youth programs with Wairau Valley employers so careers start close to home. Complete communities need all three elements working together.
My position on key topics
Transport
My priorities are strategic advocacy for what residents need most: implementing the full daytime clearway on Onewa Road supported in 2020 consultation, safer school routes with better crossings, more frequent ferries, buses connecting our communities to employment areas like Wairau Valley, and good walking-cycling paths linking Birkenhead, Glenfield and Northcote. I'll push AT to prioritise vulnerable road users, and the Kaipātiki Connections Network Plan for integrated active transport options.
Water
Local boards have strong advocacy roles on water infrastructure. I'll push for urgent Wairau Valley flood mitigation after 2023 storm damage, advocate to Watercare for reduced wastewater overflows into our streams and beaches, support stormwater detention facilities in parks like A.F. Thomas Park, and promote water-sensitive design in new developments. The proposed environmental targeted rate could fund critical water quality improvements and flood resilience for our coastal community needs.
Built environment
I support quality compact development that includes adequate infrastructure, community amenities, and climate resilience. New development should create neighborhoods where people can walk to services, not car-dependent sprawl. I'll advocate for sustainable design like the 17 Lauderdale Road facility, proper heritage protection, and ensuring developments contribute to community infrastructure costs. Housing density works when it's well-designed with good transport links and quality public spaces.
Natural environment
I'll champion our pest-free vision by supporting Kaipātiki Project and Pest Free Kaipātiki volunteers who do incredible work. We need urgent kauri dieback controls, continued tree planting from our Urban Ngahere Action Plan, and protection of places like Le Roys Bush Reserve. Climate resilience requires the environmental targeted rate for shoreline adaptation and flood management. I'll work with mana whenua on environmental projects and advocate for stronger tree protection legislation.
Community
I'll strengthen our community-led approach that makes every dollar go further. Support existing groups like Kaipātiki Community Facilities Trust, ensure our libraries and community centres remain accessible, and maintain our excellent playgrounds with shade protection. With $19.5 million in community services budget, I'll prioritise transparent communication about decisions, expand cultural events celebrating our diversity, and support volunteers who are the backbone of our services.
Economic and cultural development
I'll expand Business Improvement Districts to all town centres. Stronger engagement with Wairau Valley businesses creates local employment opportunities. Cultural heritage thrives through supporting mana whenua partnerships, Māori events like Matariki celebrations, and our diverse ethnic communities. I'll advocate for council procurement changes favouring local businesses, and champion the Glenfield Centre Plan to create spaces that celebrate our landscape, diversity and heritage together.
Well-managed local government and outcomes for Māori
I'll prioritise delivering Māori outcomes through the Kia Ora Tāmaki Makaurau framework. Building genuine partnerships with mana whenua and iwi groups, supporting marae development in Beach Haven, and incorporating te reo Māori into local programmes. The Te Kete Rukuruku programme restoring Māori place names is vital. Port and Auckland Future Fund management sit outside local board mandate, but our 2023 storm recovery continues through resilient infrastructure and shoreline adaptation planning.
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.