Disclaimer
The information on this page has been provided by the candidates. It does not reflect the views or positions of Auckland Council.
Candidate statement
Ezekiel Robson has been a local resident for 45 years; a fearless disability advocate leading change through local and national advisory roles for decades. In 2013 he saved Te Mahia Station from imminent closure against the odds. Ezekiel continues to advocate for better lifts that won't break down, leaving our elderly stranded. He volunteered 15 years as a Youthline Counsellor, Mentor and Group Facilitator. Ezekiel cares about resolving day-to-day issues like uneven footpaths, roaming cats and dogs causing havoc in our neighbourhoods, and crime prevention. Protecting the environment is important; stopping illegal rubbish-dumping and littering keeps our land and water healthy. He will support your choice for weekly rubbish collections. Ezekiel champions quality transport planning systems to keep local roads flowing, and public transport reliable and accessible. Like in 2013, he will make the right decisions for our future. Two Council votes Joseph Allan, Cunningham-Marino. Eight Local Board votes #LoveManurewa.
Why I want to be elected
Vote Ezekiel to address the lack of disability experience in leadership, where long term planning and decision-making often neglects our needs. Ezekiel is dedicated to promoting inclusion and accessibility for elderly and all those with mobility challenges. Ezekiel will prioritise reducing rates for those struggling financially; ensuring Council operates efficiently, charges affordable service fees, and provides plain-language information. Ezekiel will ensure all locals have equal opportunities.
My key skills and qualities
Ezekiel is guided by values of equality, social justice and environmental protection. He is focused on creating unity and being a strong voice for more vulnerable people of Manurewa. Addressing social issues that stop people from having dignity is crucial. Ezekiel knows it is important to work on reducing rates increases, lower fees for Council services such as libraries or swimming pools, and ensure community groups pay affordable facility hire charges. National Certificate in Youth Work Lvl 3
My top three key issues
Ezekiel will preserve footpaths for pedestrian safety, champion completion of public transport projects such as Te Mahia train station lifts, and fill the gaps in our transport networks. He will upgrade parks; and ensure homes, community halls and playgrounds, are designed to be accessible. Vote Ezekiel to make Manurewa disability-friendly, ease your costs of living, accelerate efforts to protect nature, and to support thriving local businesses—our community safe from crime.
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.