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Marshal AHLUWALIA
Candidate for 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.
Why I want to be elected
I’m running for local board because I believe in building a strong, safe, and thriving community for everyone. I want to make sure that local government stays connected to the people it serves—by listening, being transparent, and focusing on practical solutions that improve daily life. I understand that many residents, including long-time homeowners, working families, and retirees, are concerned about rising living costs, , public safety, and maintaining the character of our neighborhoods.
My key skills and qualities
Community-Focused Mindset Collaboration and Teamwork Effective Communication Strategic Thinking and Planning Decision-Making and Problem Solving Community Engagement and Advocacy Integrity and Accountability
My top three key issues
Public Safety & Crime -Reducing crime, anti‑social behavior, and improving community safety through infrastructure, enforcement, and youth engagement. Environmental Cleanliness -Addressing illegal dumping, waste management, and restoring natural spaces to foster community pride and environmental resilience. Roaming Dogs -Between 2023 and 2024, Manurewa recorded the highest number of roaming dog reports in South Auckland, with 1,023 call-outs, even exceeding nearby Ōtara (947) and Papakura (946)
My position on key topics
Transport
Safer Streets Road safety is a top concern. I support traffic calming near schools, better pedestrian crossings, and fixing dangerous intersections. We need improved street lighting and regular road maintenance to reduce accidents and make our streets feel safer. Community-Centered Planning Transport solutions must reflect how people actually move in Manurewa. I will push for genuine local consultation and transport investment that meets our area's needs—not just city-wide priorities.
Water
Water Supply: Auckland must diversify its water sources and invest in reducing leaks and water waste. I support encouraging water conservation, using rainwater tanks in homes, and future-proofing our supply against droughts. Water Quality: Clean, safe drinking water is essential. I support strict monitoring and transparent reporting to maintain high water standards, while protecting natural sources from pollution and runoff.
Built environment
Our heritage and natural environment give Auckland its unique character. I’m committed to protecting historic sites, cultural landmarks, and natural spaces. Development should respect and celebrate these assets, working with mana whenua and local communities. In summary, I support balanced growth that delivers homes and infrastructure while safeguarding the heritage and environment that make Auckland special. Together, we can build a vibrant, inclusive city that meets current and future needs.
Natural environment
To protect and enhance Auckland’s natural spaces, I’d expand native planting and pest control to boost biodiversity. Restoring wetlands and coastal areas will improve climate resilience by absorbing floods and storing carbon. Creating green corridors connects habitats, supporting wildlife movement. Urban greening through more trees and rain gardens reduces heat and manages storm water.
Community
To build strong, connected communities and improve local services, I would focus on fostering inclusive, accessible spaces that encourage interaction and support. This includes investing in community hubs, parks, and recreational facilities where people of all ages and backgrounds can gather safely. Overall, by creating welcoming, well-resourced environments and encouraging active participation, communities become more connected, resilient, and better equipped to thrive together.
Economic and cultural development
My vision is to foster a vibrant, inclusive economy by supporting local businesses through grants, training, and streamlined regulations that encourage innovation and sustainability. I aim to boost Auckland’s unique cultural heritage by celebrating Māori and Pacific traditions in festivals, markets, and tourism, creating authentic experiences that attract visitors and honor our identity. By investing in creative industries , we can generate jobs and economic opportunity .
Well-managed local government and outcomes for Māori
To deliver meaningful Māori outcomes, I would strengthen partnerships with iwi and hapū, ensuring co-governance in decision-making and embedding mātauranga Māori in policies. For managing the Port of Auckland, I’d prioritize sustainable operations balancing economic growth with environmental protection and community wellbeing.