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
Joseph Allan is your Councillor Candidate with 9 years Local Board experience, 3 years as Manurewa Board Chair. When budgets were tight, he found funds for a new CCTV network, playground renewals, and sports field and lighting upgrades. It is time for change. Our footpaths should not be broken and dangerous. Walkways must be cleaned and streets swept to reduce blockages and flooding. Joseph will prioritise care of our neighbourhoods to foster and bring back community pride. Joseph will support your choice for weekly rubbish collections. No mucking about, voted $500,000 for animal control to tackle roaming dogs, Joseph prioritises community safety. Living in Manurewa since 1969, Joseph is Musical Director of the Manukau Youth Orchestra. From the Papakura Civic Orchestra, to driving his children to dance and martial arts, he has seen Papakura grow over four decades. Vote #LoveManurewa #LovePapakura for Local Board. Vote Allan and Cunningham-Marino for Council.
Why I want to be elected
Joseph wants to see an end to missed opportunities that have cost Manurewa-Papakura millions in road and footpath upgrades. Central government and regional funding was available, yet not secured, leaving our communities reliant on modest discretionary transport budgets. Joseph will fight to secure every dollar possible for our infrastructure needs; Ōpaheke Sports Park, Waiata Shores to Wattle Downs footbridge, Clendon Reserve and the Puhinui Stream Regeneration Project. Time for Change!
My key skills and qualities
Joseph has extensive governance experience at the Local Board level, including as Board Chair. He understands budgets, financial management, and how decisions at the Governing Body level impact communities—both financially and in real outcomes. He has a track record of supporting community feedback, voting with residents, not against them. He is committed to listening to residents and serving with transparency and accountability. BSc (Computer Science), BCom (Accounting & Finance)
My top three key issues
Joseph Allan will fight to secure our fair share of regional funding, ending years of deferrals while central Auckland projects take priority. He will push to complete projects like Ōpaheke Park and the Puhinui Stream Regeneration. He will advocate for greater investment in local assets before they fall into disrepair. Safer streets, cleaner neighbourhoods, better transport, and weekly rubbish collections will be core priorities for a stronger, more connected Manurewa-Papakura.
My position on key topics
Transport
Joseph Allan 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
Joseph Allan backs protecting water quality, supply, and resilience. He will push to complete Ōpaheke Park and continue the Puhinui Stream Regeneration Project, restoring wetlands and treating stormwater before it reaches the Manukau Harbour. These projects reduce flood risk, create active-mode natural pathways linking local communities, and provide valued open spaces in dense areas while serving as vital flood protection. He will advocate for funding to keep this work moving.
Built environment
Joseph Allan 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. He opposes developments and intensification in flood prone areas. He 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
Joseph Allan 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
Joseph Allan will work closely with Manurewa-Papakura Local Boards and Chairs, providing strong support at the council table. He will reach out to neighbouring southern boards for a greater understanding of issues and joint advocacy opportunities to secure an equitable share of funding and investment. He will draw on the aspirations and visions within the Local Board Plans prepared in consultation with the community. He will listen, learn and support the delivery of outcomes.
Economic and cultural development
Joseph Allan will work with the Town Centre Managers 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 Māori participation, 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
Joseph Allan upholds Te Tiriti o Waitangi and strong partnerships with mana whenua. He backs Ara Kōtui so southern Iwi voices shape local decisions. Grounded in whanaungatanga, he values ties with Iwi, Mataawaka & Local Marae. He supports Māori-led solutions, rangatahi leadership and whānau-focused communities. He will advocate for housing, transport and jobs that reflect the identity of Manurewa-Papakura 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.