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William LEOLAHI

William LEOLAHI

Candidate for 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.

Why I want to be elected

I want to be elected to serve with honesty, courage, and faith. Growing up in South Auckland taught me resilience, sacrifice, and unity. Leadership to me is about listening and creating opportunities where every voice matters. My vision is a community where young people thrive, families feel supported, and our cultures are celebrated. With lived experience, cultural understanding, and a heart for service, I am ready to work for us all and ensure no one is left behind.

My key skills and qualities

If elected, I will bring leadership grounded in service, integrity, and lived experience. I connect with people, listen deeply, and ensure every voice is heard. With skills in community engagement, sport, health, and business, I know how to turn challenges into opportunities. I bring cultural knowledge and respect, ensuring our cultures are celebrated. Above all, I bring resilience, faith, and commitment to serve with honesty, courage, and heart for our community.

My top three key issues

#LoveManurewa will prioritise maintaining existing assets to avoid demolitions like Tadmor Hall. This year’s budget boost, won through fairer funding championed by Joseph Allan when Board Chair, was a chance to invest more in maintenance — but it was missed in favour of new initiatives. We will work with Auckland Council to access regional budgets, deliver better outcomes for Manurewa, address roaming dogs, improve transport options and support your choice for weekly rubbish collections.

My position on key topics

  • Transport

    #LoveManurewa will push for more funding and decision-making for Local Boards with the restructure of Auckland Transport, delivering safety and maintenance that meet local needs. Fix broken footpaths, set sensible speed limits, and improve safety around schools. Upgrade roads, signs, and lights, promote walking and cycling, add accessible carparks in high-density areas, curb roaming dogs, and improve lighting near stations, bus stops, and alleyways.

  • Water

    #LoveManurewa backs protecting water quality, supply, and resilience. We will continue the Puhinui Stream Regeneration Project to restore wetlands and treat stormwater before it reaches the Manukau Harbour. This work reduces flood risk and creates an active-mode natural pathway linking The Gardens and Hillpark to Wirihana and Manukau City. These open spaces provide valued amenities in dense areas while serving as vital flood protection. We will advocate for funding to continue this work.

  • Built environment

    #LoveManurewa supports urban growth that’s well-connected, with reliable, direct public transport so people can reach work or leisure quickly without long waits or multiple transfers. We oppose developments and intensification in flood prone areas. We will back housing and infrastructure that fit local needs, protect heritage, and create vibrant, walkable communities where amenities, green spaces, and transport links are integrated and accessible for quality living in a growing Auckland.

  • Natural environment

    #LoveManurewa will provide strong leadership on climate action, fund local waste minimisation and support community-led resilience planning. Promote water efficiency, reduce food waste and emissions, and improve home insulation. Protect waterways, harbours, beaches, and streams. Support emergency preparedness, pest and weed management, and integrate risk reduction, readiness, response, and recovery across the community.

  • Community

    #LoveManurewa will provide stronger advocacy needed to bring forward Growth funding of $4.2M, obtained for the Clendon Reserve by Joseph Allan when Chair. Upgrade playgrounds based on community priorities, and continue free pool access to Goldcard holders, supervising adults and disabled people. Support events, sports for all children, youth spaces to belong, community gardens, urban farms, local hubs, and programmes that keep seniors connected and supported.

  • Economic and cultural development

    #LoveManurewa will work with the Town Centre Manager to deliver strong economic plans, including funding for safety initiatives and opposing new off-licence liquor or vaping stores. Support local jobs through council procurement and business associations, prioritising youth employment. Promote skills training and qualification access. Encourage diverse local businesses and maintain a visible police presence in shopping areas

  • Well-managed local government and outcomes for Māori

    #LoveManurewa upholds Te Tiriti o Waitangi and strong partnerships with mana whenua. We back Ara Kōtui so southern Iwi voices shape local decisions. Grounded in whanaungatanga, we value ties with Iwi, Mataawaka and Manurewa Marae. We support Māori-led solutions, rangatahi leadership and whānau-focused communities. We’ll advocate for housing, transport and jobs that reflect Manurewa’s identity and foster belonging.

Candidate's supporting links

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Disclaimer

The information on this page has been provided by the candidates. It does not reflect the views or positions of Auckland Council.