Ngā kaitono poari ā-rohe 2025Local board candidates 2025

Manurewa Local Board

Manurewa Action Team

Candidate statement

Lives in Weymouth. A trustee on the Beautification Trust, Marshal Ahluwalia is up before dawn each Saturday picking up rubbish and cleaning streets around Manurewa. Marshal has helped raise money for charities such as Radio Lollipop and Totara Hospice, He plants trees, removes graffiti, and poisons privet plants simply because his voluntary support is needed. Marshal has been an outspoken advocate for the safety and security of small business owners and retailers and has led calls for the Government to put more Police resources into South Auckland. Marshal wants to see further improvements to Manurewa's sports fields and training surfaces to increase hours of use and reduce cancellations. As an Action candidate, Marshal supports the retention of the weekly household rubbish collection service as championed by Councillor Daniel Newman - a weekly service for public health and cleanliness. Please vote for Marshal Ahluwalia and every other Action candidate.

Manurewa Local Board

#LoveManurewa

Candidate statement

Joseph Allan has served 9 years on the Board, three years as Chair. When Council budgets were tight, he found funds for the new CCTV network, and delivered sports fields and lighting upgrades at Mountfort and War Memorial Park. He led the development of our Award Winning All Abilities Playground, a project delivered in collaboration with Disability Organisations and Community, now an exemplar for future design across Auckland. Joseph believes stronger advocacy is needed to bring forward Growth Funding of $4.2M, he obtained when Chair. #LoveManurewa will support your choice for weekly rubbish collections. Joseph’s parents, Janet and George Allan, were teachers at Hillpark School in the 70s and 80s. His wife is a nurse and their three children go to local schools. From a musical family Joseph conducts the Manukau Youth Orchestra providing affordable music tuition in Manurewa. Two Council votes Joseph Allan, Cunningham-Marino. Eight Local Board votes #LoveManurewa.

Manurewa Local Board

Manurewa Action Team

Candidate statement

Lives in Wattle Downs. Grew up in Manurewa. Attended James Cook High School. Helped establish the Wattle Downs Residents and Ratepayers' Association, and the Reremoana Netball Club. Heather has been part of the Manurewa Action Team majority to helped deliver a new indoor training facility for Manukau Cricket at Memorial Park, and upgraded at Weymouth and Manurewa rugby, Homai Bowls, and other local clubs and sports codes. Heather championed lights on the corner of Weymouth and Coxhead roads, helped secure a light-controlled pedestrian crossing outside the Nanaksar Sikh Temple (but on the basis that there was no raised crossing), and footpath upgrades at the corner of Great South and Mahia Roads. As an Action candidate, Heather supports the retention of the weekly household rubbish collection service as championed by Councillor Daniel Newman - a weekly service for public health and cleanliness. Please vote for Heather Andrew and every Action candidate.

Manurewa Local Board

Manurewa Action Team

Candidate statement

Raewyn Bhana helps to lead the Whānau Ora Community Clinic and co-owns the Kiwibank Post Shop in Clendon. She has led major health and wellbeing initiatives, supporting thousands of residents through medical, social, and crisis response services. Raewyn is inspired to continue the work started by Matt Winiata on the Manurewa Local Board, including: the successful completion of weathertightness works to support Netball Manurewa; improved fields and training services at Laurie Gibbons Reserve in Weymouth; upgraded playgrounds at Rowandale Avenue and Tington Reserve in Wattle Downs; and further improvements for Manurewa Squash and Manurewa Table Tennis. A former social worker, Raewyn knows that a children in sport stays out of court! As an Action candidate, Raewyn supports the retention of the weekly household rubbish collection service as championed by Councillor Daniel Newman - a weekly service for public health and cleanliness. Please vote for Raewyn Bhana and every Action candidate.

Manurewa Local Board

#LoveManurewa

Candidate statement

Ally Billaney has given 10 years volunteer service in Manurewa, including Manurewa Playcentre, Hillpark School PTA and Neighbourhood Support. She supports your choice for weekly rubbish collections and wants walkways to be clean and safe for everyone. Ally firmly believes it's time for change, to think outside the box in the way we support our young people to become leaders in their own spaces and the wider community. Ally was a Funfest volunteer when it first started in 2008 and is now a Trustee, helping create happy family memories, including a dedicated day for children with disabilities. Ally is Service Manager for Te Hā Oranga supporting whānau through mental health and addiction services. At a busy Auckland Airport hotel she was the Executive Housekeeper and Assistant Food and Beverage Manager. Ally is experienced at managing costs and managing budgets. Two Council votes Joseph Allan, Cunningham-Marino. Eight Local Board votes #LoveManurewa.

Manurewa Local Board

#LoveManurewa

Candidate statement

For 61 years Manurewa has been my home, where for 44 years I have served as a Police Officer. I own a local gym and am a current Local Board member with extensive experience in policy and decision-making. I've successfully advocated for fairer funding that fosters the development of local businesses, youth, disabled people, elderly, our vulnerable community, sports clubs, enabling free sports fees for under 12's, environmental help, dedicated Animal Management officers, upgrading our parks and community assets, and the establishment of a community hub. I'm dedicated to continuing the work already started, ensuring safer neighbourhoods, town centres, public transport, weekly rubbish collections, and prompt responses for essential services, footpath, roading repairs, tagging, noise complaints, illegal parking. Having completed 113 marathons, I see things through. I've a deep appreciation for Manurewa and its diversity. Together we can thrive. Two Council votes Joseph Allan, Cunningham-Marino. Eight Local Board votes #LoveManurewa.

Manurewa Local Board

#LoveManurewa

Candidate statement

Toa Greening is a familiar name in our community, has served on Manukau and Auckland Councils alongside local legends Sir Barry Curtis, Sir John Walker and Colleen Brown KSO. As a local resident, he understands the heartbeat of our neighbourhoods and is committed to making them safer and more connected. Toa has volunteered for 22 years as Treasurer/Secretary for the Manurewa Crimewatch Patrol, working tirelessly to enhance community safety. A former New Zealand masters swimming champion, he enjoys being active with water sports, mountain biking and adventure trips with the family. Toa supports strong schools, thriving sports clubs and ensuring opportunities for the next generation. An exciting career in Information Engineering and professional member of Engineering NZ, Toa thrives on implementing innovative solutions. With his experience, vision and leadership, Toa Greening is ready to serve Manurewa once again. Two Council votes Joseph Allan, Cunningham-Marino. Eight Local Board votes #LoveManurewa.

Manurewa Local Board

Candidate statement

A long term resident of Manurewa. Lived in Manurewa 30 years, children both thru Manurewa Schools. Coached Weymouth Cricket Club and Manurewa Rugby Club; Long Term Manager Papatoetoe Rugby; Service Member NZ Army 5WWCT Service number B757046; Long Career with NZ Safety Certificate of Marketing Management; I Work for NZ Police; Stood for Manurewa Local Board 2023. I want to ensure Local Board decisions are sensible and of benefit to all. At least 3 Bus shelters down Mahia Road, currently none. Free entry to Manurewa Swimming Pool. More Police visibility in Manurewa. Make Manurewa Beautiful Again.

Manurewa Local Board

#LoveManurewa

Candidate statement

Mandeep Kaur has spent over 20 years keeping communities safe as a police officer, retiring at the rank of Senior Sergeant. She was the first Indian-born woman to join the NZ Police, working in areas such as ethnic engagement, victim support, family violence, and road safety. Her long experience gives her a deep understanding of community safety and challenges people face. Mandeep will prioritise community safety, wellbeing, effective dog control, and supports your choice for weekly rubbish collections. Mandeep is a proud grandmother who has raised responsible Kiwi citizens, now graduates making positive contributions to society. Mandeep is an accredited mediator and restorative justice facilitator. Currently completing postgraduate studies in drug and alcohol counselling, she aims to help people overcome issues that harm families and neighbourhoods. She believes in prevention, healing, and finding practical solutions that work for everyone. Two Council votes Joseph Allen, Cunningham-Marino. Eight Local Board votes #LoveManurewa.

Manurewa Local Board

Manurewa Action Team

Candidate statement

Lives in Manurewa. Phylis Latu heads Maranga Fanau Charitable Trust, which works to provide social housing, school mentoring, holiday programmes, and elderly support, and kai to vulnerable people in Manurewa. Through her work, Phylis has helped take people off the streets, giving them choices and opportunities for a safer, secure future. Where others may walk away, Phylis walks alongside those who need help. Phylis is on the executive committee for the Manurewa Marlins – she helps to get everyone who needs it a pathway into sport. When funding is a barrier, Phylis knocks on doors and secures sponsors so young people can live their passion for sport in Manurewa. As an Action candidate, Phylis supports the retention of the weekly household rubbish collection service as championed by Councillor Daniel Newman – a weekly service for Manurewa’s public health and cleanliness. Please vote for Phylis Latu and every other Action candidate.

Manurewa Local Board

#LoveManurewa

Candidate statement

William Leolahi is a small business owner, dedicated community advocate, and proud family man, living in Manurewa. Currently working for Health NZ, William supports Pacific communities across Auckland, ensuring their voices are heard in health and social policy decisions. His qualifications and experience in Sport and Recreation, and Research and Design, will help to create a more resilient and compassionate future for Manurewa. With 20+ years of mostly voluntary coaching in rugby and rugby league, from grassroots to professional levels, William has mentored countless young people through sport. He is the current President of the Samoan Boxing Association NZ, building pathways for Pacific athletes to reach the Commonwealth and Olympics Games. A Matai, William has dedicated his life to serving others. He will bring leadership focused on youth development, family wellbeing, safer communities, and authentic cultural representation. Two Council votes Joseph Allan, Cunningham-Marino. Eight Local Board votes #LoveManurewa.

Manurewa Local Board

Manurewa Action Team

Candidate statement

Lives in Weymouth. A long-serving member of both Manurewa Local Board and Wiri Licensing Trust. Rangi has helped secure millions of dollars collectively for clubs and sports codes, community organisations with charitable missions, including Totara Hospice, Coastguard, and the Manukau New Life Charitable Trust, which helps to host the annual Manurewa Christmas in the Park Event. Every dollar spent on Manurewa carries Rangi's support and advocacy - he puts Manurewa first every time. Rangi seeks to live the mission of the late Kiingi Tuheitia Pootatau Te Wherowhero VII: 'Amohia ake te ora o te iwi, ka puta ki te wheiao - the health and wellbeing of our people is paramount.' As an Action candidate, Rangi supports the retention of the weekly household rubbish collection service as championed by Councillor Daniel Newman - a weekly service for public health and cleanliness. Please vote for Rangi McLean and every other Action candidate.

Manurewa Local Board

Manurewa Action Team

Candidate statement

Lives in Hillpark. Attends Manukau New Life Church. Glenn's grandfather co-owned a local mechanic business, serving the community for decades since the 1940's. He and wife Merete have raised their children and now help raise their two grandsons, who attend Hillpark School. A founding trustee of the Manukau New life Community Trust, Glenn helped host the annual Christmas in the Park event, also providing meals and clothing for families in need. As Deputy Chair of the Manurewa Local Board, Glenn has been part of the budget-setting negotiations to improve the Board's financial position. He is frequently called upon to fix broken footpaths, get potholes repaired, and get illegally dumped rubbish removed. As an Action candidate, Glenn supports the retention of the weekly household rubbish collection service as championed by Councillor Newman - a weekly service for public health and cleanliness. Please vote for Glenn 'ActionMan' Murphy and every Action candidate.

Manurewa Local Board

Independent

Candidate statement

John owns a mortgage brokerage company. He is an experienced manager, company director and trustee. John's strengths are governance, accountability, and outcomes. He is very conscious of managing public funds, is reliable and provides a safe pair of hands. He wants better outcomes for family, friends, and clients in the Manurewa Local Board area, many struggling with cost-of-living pressures. Outcomes to achieve are greater penalties for roaming dogs, stopping illegal rubbish dumping, continued free access to libraries, parks, sports grounds and swimming pools. He is an advocate for safer communities, policing illegal dirt bikes and better roading and transport planning across Manurewa. As an Independent candidate, John will work constructively with board members to achieve these outcomes. Active in the wider community, John is a JP, working closely with Police. He has a Judicial Warrant working with the Ministry of Justice. He sits on the Council District Alcohol Licensing Committee.

Manurewa Local Board

#LoveManurewa

Candidate statement

Ezekiel Robson has been a local resident for 45 years; a fearless disability advocate leading change through local and national advisory roles for decades. In 2013 he saved Te Mahia Station from imminent closure against the odds. Ezekiel continues to advocate for better lifts that won't break down, leaving our elderly stranded. He volunteered 15 years as a Youthline Counsellor, Mentor and Group Facilitator. Ezekiel cares about resolving day-to-day issues like uneven footpaths, roaming cats and dogs causing havoc in our neighbourhoods, and crime prevention. Protecting the environment is important; stopping illegal rubbish-dumping and littering keeps our land and water healthy. He will support your choice for weekly rubbish collections. Ezekiel champions quality transport planning systems to keep local roads flowing, and public transport reliable and accessible. Like in 2013, he will make the right decisions for our future. Two Council votes Joseph Allan, Cunningham-Marino. Eight Local Board votes #LoveManurewa.

Manurewa Local Board

Candidate statement

I’m running for the Manurewa Local Board because I love this place and our people. I grew up here, built my life here, and I want to speak for those in our community who often go unheard. Manurewa is full of talent, culture, and potential but we also face real challenges. I’m committed to bringing fresh ideas, a youthful perspective, and practical solutions that truly make a difference. This isn’t about politics for me, it’s about people. I want better opportunities for our youth, safer spaces for our families, and more support for those doing it tough. There’s a Samoan saying my late proud Manurewa father left with me: 'Amuia le masina e alu ma toe sau – Lucky is the moon to go and come back.' Our time here isn’t promised, so let’s make the most of it while we can. If not for ourselves, for the future generations.

Manurewa Local Board

Manurewa Action Team

Candidate statement

Lives in Manurewa. Italia Tipelu-Marsters attended Manurewa High School. The former General Manager of Manurewa Netball, she represented Samoa in both netball and Manusina Rugby. Italia and her husband Tai own an asbestos removal and demolition company where they employ local men and women. Italia and her tutors established the Le Aute Manurewa Dance Academy. It provides dancers between 5 and 18 years with the opportunity to learn traditional Samoan dance, they meet weekly at Elim Community Hub in Mahia Road. Italia's late grandfather Reverend Arielu Tipelu, was the founding minister at EFKS Manurewa. She is defined by the principle of prayerful public service for the well-being of everyone. As an Action candidate, Italia supports the retention of the weekly household rubbish collection service as championed by Councillor Daniel Newman - a weekly service for Manurewa's public health and cleanliness. Please vote for Italia Tipelu-Marsters and every other Action Candidate.

Manurewa Local Board

Manurewa Action Team

Candidate statement

Lives in The Gardens. A member of the foundation committee for The Gardens Residents and Ratepayer's Association. A recent breast cancer survivor, Judy wants to use her experience to encourage and education women to get screened and take care of their health. She has begun speaking about her life journey to help raise money for Breast Cancer awareness. With a background in business and facilities management, Judy wants to ensure the Manurewa Local Board always balances its budget in order to afford reinvestment back into our community's active sports parks, hard courts, playing and training surfaces. She has long been a champion for water safety and drowning prevention through education. As an Action candidate, Judy supports the retention of the weekly household rubbish collection service as championed by Councillor Daniel Newman - a weekly service for public health and cleanliness. Please vote for Judy Tipping and every other Action candidate.

Manurewa Local Board

#LoveManurewa

Candidate statement

A Manurewa resident for 15 years, Audrey’s passion and experience drives transformative success in business and community, making her a valuable asset to the Local Board. For 20 years, Audrey has significantly shaped the region's business landscape, including transforming Wiri into one of its largest business associations, now evident in her management role at Business Manukau. Her dedication extends beyond professional work into her voluntary contributions across five different community trusts in health, sports, environment and the arts. Audrey supports your choice for weekly rubbish collections. She has led and supported the Beautification Trust for nine years, serving seven years as Board Chair. Under her leadership the organisation has grown its outreach and has become an award winning force for beautification and community pride. Audrey will prioritise sustainability, clean neighbourhoods, native tree planting and better solutions for our future. Two Council votes: Joseph Allan, Cunningham-Marino. Eight Local Board votes #LoveManurewa.