Disclaimer
The information on this page has been provided by the candidates. It does not reflect the views or positions of Auckland Council.
Henrietta DEVOE
Candidate for Manukau Ward
ACT Local
Candidate statement
Time and again, ratepayers have been let down by Auckland Council with above‑inflation rates hikes, wasteful spending on vanity projects and consultants, and neglected public infrastructure. It’s time to give Council a wake‑up call and focus on the things that matter to Aucklanders. As a proud Ōtara resident and a real estate agent with five years’ experience, I know how to deliver practical solutions, fiscal responsibility, and genuine community empowerment. Working with families and first‑home buyers has given me a strong commitment to affordability and creating opportunities by keeping rates under control. By voting for me as an ACT Local candidate, you know exactly what you’ll get: lower rates, upgraded and well‑maintained stormwater systems to stop flooding, better waste services, investment in roads and parking, and slashed red tape for small businesses. If you want common sense back at the council table, please give me one of your votes.
Why I want to be elected
Ratepayers have been let down by higher rates, more bureaucracy, wasteful pet projects and neglected basics. It’s time to focus on what matters – safe streets, working infrastructure and value for money. After 10 years living in Manukau, I understand our community’s needs and will bring practical solutions to deliver real change locally. By voting for me as an ACT Local candidate, you know I’ll keep rates down, stop wasteful spending, and deliver essential services.
My key skills and qualities
I’m a wife, mum of 6 children, a licensed real estate agent and a community advocate with real-world problem-solving experience. I know how to get things done and hold decision makers to account. I’ll keep rates low, ensure essential services are maintained to a high standard, and restore transparency so residents can see exactly how their money is being spent.
My top three key issues
Cutting $50 million of waste - including lavish civic events, excessive consultant fees, and bloated admin costs - to stop the 5.8% rates hike and 7.2% water rates hike, so families can keep more money in their pockets. Investing in smarter stormwater systems near schools like Sir Edmund Hillary College, slashing permitting delays to make roads safer and protect neighbourhoods from flood risks. Providing extra bins for larger households and for inorganic collections. Fast track business consents
My position on key topics
Transport
I’ll fix the basics – maintain footpaths, clear drains, and keep traffic flowing. I’ll oppose anti-car policies like excessive speed bumps, road narrowings, and cycleways that don’t reflect local needs. Transport choices should be practical and locally decided, not driven by ideology.
Water
I’ll support local projects that fix flooding, clear blocked drains, and maintain stormwater infrastructure. We need real investment in pipes and pumps – not vanity projects – so water and wastewater systems are reliable, affordable, and focused on essentials for ratepayers.
Built environment
I’ll oppose red tape that blocks development while ensuring infrastructure keeps up. I support increased housing density around key transport hubs – building where it’s most needed and makes the most sense – so Auckland can grow without pushing up rates or wasting money.
Natural environment
I'll back local pest control, coastal protection, and better flood management - but stop wasting money on political climate projects that don't deliver for ratepayers or the environment. Focus should be on practical work that benefits nature and protects communities.
Community
I'll get the basics right - fix walkways, maintain community centres and libraries, and support practical local events that bring people together without pushing politics. Well-run facilities and safe public spaces are the foundation of strong communities.
Economic and cultural development
I'll work with local businesses to revitalise town centres, improve safety and foot traffic, and cut red tape so it's easier to hold markets, events, or get a licence. Strong local economies and vibrant communities go hand-in-hand.
Well-managed local government and outcomes for Māori
All residents should be treated equally. I'll campaign to remove the voting rights of unelected Independent Mãori Statutory Board members on council committees. Strategic assets like the Port and Future Fund must be run efficiently to lower rates, strengthen resilience, and stop waste.
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.