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The information on this page has been provided by the candidates. It does not reflect the views or positions of Auckland Council.
Audrey WILLIAMS
Candidate for 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.
Why I want to be elected
Audrey believes it is time for change. In recent years, Manurewa has missed out on valuable opportunities, resulting in the loss of millions in road and footpath upgrades. Audrey is committed to fighting for every dollar available to meet our infrastructure needs including the Waiata Shores to Wattle Downs footbridge, Clendon Reserve, and the Puhinui Stream Regeneration Project. Why? Because Manurewa deserves more.
My key skills and qualities
Audrey brings a deep expertise in budgets, financial management, and governance, with working knowledge of council operations. Her commitment goes beyond her professional achievements; Audrey has volunteered for five different community trusts spanning health, sports, the environment, and the arts. For nine years, she led and supported the Beautification Trust, including seven years as Board Chair.
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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