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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.
Sara REIHANA-TARA
Candidate for Māngere-Ōtāhuhu Local Board
Candidate statement
Born in Ōtāhuhu and raised in Māngere, this community has shaped who I am. I’ve lived here all my life, even all my schooling in South Auckland, and I’m standing for Māngere-Ōtāhuhu Local Board because I care deeply about our people, our whenua, and future. Ko Ngāti Hine, Waikato, me Ngāti Awa ōku iwi. I bring experience in community leadership, kaupapa Māori values, and creative strategy, balanced with a big heart for grassroots action! I’ve worked across media, governance, volunteering and community spaces, always focused on bringing voice to those often unheard. I believe in decisions being made with our people, not for them. I’ll champion better housing, more opportunities for rangatahi, and speak up on the real challenges our whānau face. At the end of the day, it’s your voice that matters. I’m proud to stand for our hapori, and would be honoured to serve this vibrant, beautiful community.
Why I want to be elected
If elected, I’ll bring energy, visibility, and heart to the role. You’ll see me out and about in Māngere-Ōtāhuhu - not tucked away in meetings, but on the ground, hearing what matters most to you! I’ll champion collaboration with residents, community groups, and mana whenua to turn ideas into action. By celebrating our strengths, championing our people, and keeping the mahi real and tangible, I’ll ensure our community’s voice leads the way in every decision that shapes our future.
My key skills and qualities
Born and raised in Māngere, where I still live today, I know this place because it’s my home. Warm, personable, and approachable, I bring a Master’s in Business alongside strong commercial, marketing, and communications expertise, plus governance through board and community roles. I’ve supported initiatives tackling social isolation, food insecurity, and food waste, and bring the heart, skills, drive, and authenticity to serve our wonderfully diverse community with genuine commitment.
My top three key issues
For me, it’s about focusing on what really matters to our people. That means growing local jobs and driving smart economic development so families can build security and rangatahi see their future here at home. Building safer, healthier, more connected neighbourhoods where everyone belongs. And protecting our environment - our waterways and our green spaces - so we’re future-ready for climate change, ensuring our community flourishes for generations.
My position on key topics
Transport
Transport must be about choice, safety, and reliability and needs to work for people in their everyday lives. That means investing in safer roads, better walking and safer cycling lanes (in appropriate areas), and reliable, frequent public transport. We also need to plan ahead - making space for digital tools and smarter systems that help people move around more easily. Every investment should make travel simpler, safer, and fairer for all of Tāmaki Makaurau.
Water
Clean, safe water shouldn't be considered a luxury - it’s a right and a necessity. In Tāmaki Makaurau, we need to secure supply, protect drinking water quality, and manage stormwater and wastewater properly so pollution doesn’t undo all our progress. Projects like the Central Interceptor and restoring Puketutu Island are vital steps forward, but we also need bold planning, innovation, and care so Auckland is ready and resilient for growth and climate challenges.
Built environment
We need affordable, quality homes near jobs, transport hubs, and services so whānau aren’t priced out of their own neighbourhoods. Infrastructure has to keep pace with growth - from pipes to roads - while preparing us for climate challenges. At the same time, we must protect heritage and places of significance, our wāhi tapu and wāhi taonga. We need to shape urban communities that are liveable, fit-for-future-purpose and true to who we are.
Natural environment
Protecting our natural environment is about more than green spaces. It’s about resilience, health, and pride in our city. We need to restore wetlands, expand urban tree cover, and safeguard biodiversity. Combining science with mātauranga Māori, and drawing on proven techniques, will strengthen these efforts. Smarter stormwater and flood management will prepare us for climate change. By caring for our land and waterways now, we create cleaner, safer, and more liveable communities for the future.
Community
Strong communities thrive on connection, belonging, and access to quality services. We need safe, welcoming spaces - libraries, playgrounds, hubs, and sports grounds, that grow with our people. With the future moving into digital and AI, we must plan for tech hubs alongside traditional facilities. Spaces should be modern, resilient, inclusive and accessible. By working with schools, marae, churches, and local groups, we can reflect local identity, reduce isolation, and support wellbeing.
Economic and cultural development
Tāmaki Makaurau must increase productivity while backing our strengths: creativity, culture, and innovation. We need to support small business, attract investment into tech and knowledge sectors, and ensure our promotion of our heritage is done in a way which is tika, future-focused, and anchored in our city’s unique identity.
Well-managed local government and outcomes for Māori
Well-managed local government should leave Tāmaki stronger than we found it. That means decisions grounded in Te Tiriti, real and tangible outcomes for Māori within the city (manawhenua and mataawaka), and transparent stewardship of the Auckland Future Fund so prosperity is shared. The Port must be managed with balance; economic value alongside environmental and cultural care. By embedding resilience in storm recovery and infrastructure, we safeguard our whenua, people, and collective wellbeing.
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.