Disclaimer
The information on this page has been provided by the candidates. It does not reflect the views or positions of Auckland Council.
Ally BILLANEY
Candidate for 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.
Why I want to be elected
Ally wants do more to support all our communities of Manurewa. She sees opportunities to be innovative and explore various pathways to build a community that flourishes together. Ally values our young people and aims to encourage more collaboration with the youth of Manurewa. She will bring a fresh and inspiring perspective to the Local Board, drawing from her lived and professional experience. Time for change! Time for #LoveManurewa to take the board, so EVERYONE has a voice at the table.
My key skills and qualities
A Service Manager overseeing several government contracts, Ally understands the importance of managing budgets and meeting deadlines while providing excellent service. She believes that strong relationships are essential for successful outcomes and takes pride in forming genuine connections with others. Level 6 Certificate of Addiction and Mental Health Supervision DAPAANZ Registered, Endorsed Support Worker (Drug and Alcohol Practitioners’ Association Aotearoa–New Zealand)
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
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.