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Mandeep KAUR

Mandeep KAUR

Candidate for Manurewa Local Board

#LoveManurewa

Candidate statement

Mandeep Kaur has spent over 20 years keeping communities safe as a police officer, retiring at the rank of Senior Sergeant. She was the first Indian-born woman to join the NZ Police, working in areas such as ethnic engagement, victim support, family violence, and road safety. Her long experience gives her a deep understanding of community safety and challenges people face. Mandeep will prioritise community safety, wellbeing, effective dog control, and supports your choice for weekly rubbish collections. Mandeep is a proud grandmother who has raised responsible Kiwi citizens, now graduates making positive contributions to society. Mandeep is an accredited mediator and restorative justice facilitator. Currently completing postgraduate studies in drug and alcohol counselling, she aims to help people overcome issues that harm families and neighbourhoods. She believes in prevention, healing, and finding practical solutions that work for everyone. Two Council votes Joseph Allen, Cunningham-Marino. Eight Local Board votes #LoveManurewa.

Why I want to be elected

I bring a fresh, community-grounded perspective shaped by years of frontline experience, including my time as a police officer and my work in family harm. I’ve seen how local decisions, like investing in safe public spaces, youth programs, and culturally responsive services, can strengthen community safety and wellbeing. I’m transparent, dedicated, and committed to prevention, strong support networks, and amplifying migrant and vulnerable voices. I am ready to serve.

My key skills and qualities

I bring strong skills in restorative justice, mediation, and decision-making under pressure from my policing background. I lead with empathy, respect, patience, and transparency. As a mother, grandmother, and caregiver to my late mother with dementia, I have firsthand experience of the challenges families face. I connect across generations and diverse communities, and I’m committed to inclusive, culturally responsive leadership.

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.

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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.