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Raewyn BHANA

Raewyn BHANA

Candidate for 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.

Why I want to be elected

I am standing with the Manurewa Action Team because I believe in strong, community-led leadership that delivers practical support and real opportunities for families and local businesses With over 20 years of dedicated service to the people of Manurewa, Raewyn brings a deep understanding of the community’s needs. Raewyn is a proven leader and businesswoman. She owns and operates The Whānau Ora Medical Centre and also owns the local Clendon Kiwi Bank and NZ Post Services. I am local. I am Raewyn

My key skills and qualities

I am married and bring over 20 years of leadership in health, business, and community service. I am a qualified social worker, teacher, and not-for-profit manager, with experience leading teams of 350 staff. As Director of The Whānau Ora Medical Centre and co-owner of Clendon Kiwi Bank/NZ Post, I offer strong governance, business acumen, and a deep commitment to whānau wellbeing and community development. I am a mother of 5 children of which three are adopted. I have also got 11 grandchildren.

My top three key issues

I am focused on the top three issues affecting Manurewa: improving safety in our streets and neighbourhoods, ensuring families have access to quality, local services, and managing rates responsibly so they remain affordable for our whānau.I believe in practical, community-led solutions that deliver real outcomes and reflect the needs of everyday people. I will be your voice for fairness, support, and local investment.

My position on key topics

  • Transport

    I support safer roads, reliable public transport, and better walking and cycling paths in Manurewa. I will advocate for well-lit streets, safer pedestrian crossings, and more frequent buses and trains. My priority is ensuring transport is affordable, accessible, and safe—especially for our youth, elderly, and working whānau who rely on it daily.

  • Water

    I believe water is a taonga and must be managed responsibly for future generations. I support protecting water quality, upgrading ageing infrastructure, and investing in stormwater systems that prevent flooding. I will advocate for community education around water conservation especially in Wiri. I want stronger environmental protections and ensure all water-related charges are fair and affordable for families. Local voices must help guide how water is managed in Manurewa and across Auckland

  • Built environment

    I support smart, inclusive growth across Manurewa. Recent projects, such as the homes on Dr Pickering Avenue and Friedlander Road, deliver healthy, modern housing that blends seamlessly with local amenities and schools. The Jellicoe Road community housing project transformed a flood-prone site into 36 resilient, well-planned units, integrated with transport and environmental safeguards. I will also support other initiatives for wider Manurewa.

  • Natural environment

    I support protecting and enhancing Manurewa’s natural spaces like the Puhinui Reserve, Auckland Botanic Gardens, and the Manurewa native bush restoration project. I believe in stronger partnerships with mana whenua, schools, and community groups to restore native planting, reduce waste, and improve waterways. I also support climate-smart upgrades like rain gardens and green corridors to build resilience and will advocate for more funding for local-led conservation projects.

  • Community

    I lead community wellbeing efforts through my work at The Whānau Ora Medical Centre, providing low-cost healthcare, social services, and wraparound support for whānau. I co-own the Clendon Kiwi Bank and NZ Post, ensuring essential local services remain accessible. I regularly support local events, youth programmes, kaumātua initiatives, and food distribution through owning Circle K. I plan to strengthen partnerships, invest in community spaces, and keep people at the centre of decisions.

  • Economic and cultural development

    I bring extensive experience in business, social services, and cultural leadership. As co-owner of the Clendon Kiwi Bank/NZ Post and Director of The Whānau Ora Medical Centre, I actively support local jobs and enterprise. With a background in social work, not-for-profit management, and teaching, I champion initiatives that grow Māori and Pasifika businesses, invest in youth, and celebrate our cultural heritage through local events, kapa haka, and community arts programmes,

  • Well-managed local government and outcomes for Māori

    As a Maori Indian, I support well-managed local government that delivers real outcomes for all of Manurewa. I believe in working in partnership with iwi and Māori organisations to embed te ao Māori into decision-making, grow enterprise, and ensure services reflect the needs and aspirations of Manurewa. I support responsible management of the Port of Auckland and the Auckland Future Fund to benefit future generations.

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.

Disclaimer

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