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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.
Christine Frances O'BRIEN
Candidate for Māngere-Ōtāhuhu Local Board
Labour
Candidate statement
Vote Christine O'Brien for Māngere-Ōtāhuhu Local Board. Christine has proudly called Ōtāhuhu home for 28 years. Living with her partner and two rescue dogs, she brings deep local roots and proven experience to the role of Local Board Member. With degrees in Law and Arts, Christine offers a strong voice backed by decades of service in local government, governance and voluntary roles. She is Secretary of Ōtāhuhu Rotary, a member of the RSA and the local Historical Society, and Patron of both the Ōtāhuhu Leopards and Ōtāhuhu United Football Club. Christine is committed to community health, social and economic resilience, environmental care, and celebrating our area's rich cultural and creative talents. These are challenging times, and her inside knowledge of Council processes means she can deliver real results. Vote Christine O'Brien and the Labour Team - experienced, dedicated and always fighting hard for Māngere-Ōtāhuhu.
Why I want to be elected
I’m seeking a final term to serve my community with experience & care, including: > finish projects such as the Ōtāhuhu Mainstreet upgrade & David Lange Playground part 2 > stand up for Māngere–Ōtāhuhu as we face service cuts & tight budgets > monitor flood resilience work to influence best local outcomes > help new Members to flourish. It matters to me that women are represented at the table, bringing diverse voices & perspectives; & that Ōtāhuhu has strong input into every decision we make.
My key skills and qualities
I bring strong skills in governance, advocacy & community connection. With BA(Hons) & LLB degrees, I can analyse complex documents, question staff & oversee projects effectively. My long experience in Council & Government structures supports strong advocacy. I’m organised, a good listener & committed to service. My rich community networks, people management expertise & years of volunteering & elected representation all support working successfully for our community.
My top three key issues
Cost-of-living, housing, health dominate polls–Govt issues but your Local Board can deliver real wins. Priorities: 1. Wellbeing: free pools, longer library hours, arts & culture connecting young & old, thriving local economy 2. Water & Resilience: flood protection so homes & families are safe 3. Environment & Transport: cut waste & pollution, more trees, influence smarter planning, the right public transport Safe homes, strong communities & a cleaner, connected future matter for all
My position on key topics
Transport
My priorities include lobbying for better bus services to get people to the right places at the right times, including to work around the airport precinct; safe walking and cycling options for those who need them; exploring ways to go back to coherent safer speeds around schools, ECEs and town centres. Our current Local Board team has been advocating for trialling free shuttle services in key areas and this would continue.
Water
Water is vital to our community’s health & growth. I’d work to ensure strong collaboration with Watercare & Healthy Waters in their mahi towards secure safe supply and resilient systems. Lessons from the 2023 floods demand space for water. The stream capacity upgrades at Te Ararata & Harania must be finished apace with the least disruptions possible. We must prepare for the Māngere Treatment plant’s consent renewal & monitor their plans for biosolids solutions, to protect people & environment.
Built environment
Housing & homelessness are significant issues in Māngere–Ōtāhuhu. I support more housing intensification – to house people, to make the city liveable, to make the most of transport networks & the least impact on the environment. But that MUST be done sensitively – we need to build communities, not just buildings, so local areas & the whole region thrive. Any plan changes that affect what can be built & where must be monitored to ensure coherence of our places & spaces for Māngere–Ōtāhuhu.
Natural environment
Our environment is a taonga. I will back flood resilience work, making sure projects deliver real protection for our community. Locally, I’ll support pest-free action, clean-ups, planting to lift our very low tree cover. I'll keep pushing for a safe local recycling and disposal site that, ideally, creates local jobs. I’d continue programmes to educate polluters & healthily re-route construction waste. Māngere–Ōtāhuhu deserves stronger biodiversity, cleaner water & air, & real climate resilience.
Community
Strong communities need safe, welcoming spaces. I’d keep pools free for families to enjoy & seniors use for health; extend library hours for study, digital access & community services; support our Arts Centre & our rich Māori & Pacific arts & cultures. I’ll back programmes linking seniors & youth to reduce isolation; push for the best parks & facilities; support town centre safety; & amplify Council’s work tackling roaming dogs. Safety, pride & wellbeing all matter for a strong Māngere–Ōtāhuhu
Economic and cultural development
I’ll back our business associations, push for local procurement & continue the grants that helped some 50 small enterprises. I'd promote opportunities like ARA, STEM Homework Club & The Generator, so locals gain 21st-century skills for jobs & business. I’d advance our Economic Development Strategy & look to leverage our potential visitor economy. Culturally, I’ll champion Te Kete Rukuruku, Māngere Mountain Education Centre, Matariki, Pacific Language Weeks & our multicultural festivals
Well-managed local government and outcomes for Māori
Direct relationships with manawhenua are key. I'd ask hau kāinga to keep informing plans & strategy; manawhenua knowledge has guided projects from Ōtāhuhu Station to local playgrounds & environmental work. I'd affirm mataawaka groups, Māori Wardens & community work such as Papatūānuku Marae's. We must retain the Port for Aucklanders & closely oversee the Future Fund for best returns. Storm recovery: we need resilient infrastructure & to get buy-in to our local Emergency Readiness & Response Plan
Candidate's supporting links
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