Disclaimer
The information on this page has been provided by the candidates. It does not reflect the views or positions of Auckland Council.
Marcia Irene Paretainga KAHUI
Candidate for Maungakiekie-Tāmaki Local Board (Tāmaki Subdivision)
Tamaki Residents Association
Candidate statement
Kia ora, I’m Marcia Ngapera-Kahui, a proud Ngāti Pāoa local raised in Tāmaki, inspired by a legacy of service. I’m committed to strong, purposeful leadership that delivers for our community. If elected, I’ll lead with action - driving infrastructure improvements shaped by local input. I’ll advocate for community needs to council and its organisations, ensuring key initiatives get the support they deserve. I’ll support youth-led initiatives, mentor emerging leaders, and work with schools, local groups, and law enforcement to create inclusive spaces and safer streets. I’ll also back sports clubs and activities that uplift our tamariki. I’m committed to backing working families and local businesses - supporting job pathways, small business growth, and advocating for investment that reflects the strengths and potential of Maungakiekie-Tāmaki. The local board has the opportunity to shape a resilient, connected Maungakiekie-Tāmaki. I’m ready to listen, act, and lead.
Kia ora, ko Marcia Ngapera-Kahui ahau, he uri whakakake nō Ngāti Pāoa i tipu ake i Tāmaki. E ū ana ahau ki te ārahitanga whai tikanga mō tō tātou hapori. Mēnā ka pōtitia, ka mahi au ki te whakapai ake i ngā hanganga me te whakarongo ki ngā whakaaro o te iwi. Ka tautoko au i ngā hiahia o te hapori ki te kaunihera, kia whiwhi tautoko ngā kaupapa matua. Ka mahi tahi au me ngā rangatahi, kura, rōpū ā-rohe me ngā pirihimana hei waihanga i ngā wāhi haumaru, whakauru hoki. Ka tautoko au i ngā karapu hākinakina me ngā mahi e hiki ana i ā tātou tamariki. Ka whakatairanga au i ngā whānau mahi me ngā pakihi iti, me te rapu haumitanga e whakaatu ana i te kaha o Maungakiekie-Tāmaki. Kua rite au ki te whakarongo, te mahi, me te ārahi.
Why I want to be elected
I’m committed to driving positive change through inclusive, sustainable, community-led initiatives. I’ll champion shared spaces, kai resilience, and green infrastructure, while upgrading facilities to meet diverse needs. Guided by Te Ao Māori values, I’ll ensure decisions reflect our community’s voices and safeguard our future for generations. I stand firmly on three pou: honesty, meaningful community engagement, and responsiveness — even when I don’t have all the answers, I will always respond.
My key skills and qualities
I bring inclusive leadership, strategic thinking, and a deep commitment to sustainability and equity. With strong communication skills, cultural competency, and a collaborative mindset, I’m ready to work alongside our community to ensure local facilities evolve to meet diverse needs and that decisions reflect the values and voices of everyone in Tāmaki.
My top three key issues
I’ll champion youth-led initiatives, leadership development, and inclusive decision-making. I’ll support climate resilience through kai programmes, education, and low-emission transport. I’ll strengthen partnerships with Māori and Pacific communities, promote placemaking that reflects cultural identity, and ensure planning and funding processes are inclusive and community-led.
My position on key topics
Transport
Prioritise equity and access by engaging diverse communities, especially youth, seniors, and disabled people. Use local feedback to guide decisions. Invest in safe, inclusive infrastructure for walking, cycling, and public transport. Support climate resilience and low-emission options. Collaborate with Māori and Pacific communities to reflect cultural values in transport planning. We need a reliable public transport system. Accessibility is key. To many inconsistencies cause frustration.
Water
Manage water through sustainable supply, improved quality, and resilient infrastructure. Use nature-based solutions for stormwater, upgrade wastewater systems, and plan for climate impacts. Align water with land use planning, embed Māori values, and engage communities to ensure equitable access and long-term resilience. Water is life and a key source of daily life.
Built environment
Support quality, compact growth to reduce sprawl and protect natural areas. Prioritise housing near transport and services, upgrade infrastructure in high-demand areas, and limit risky greenfield expansion. Heritage protection must be considered—Tāmaki has deep roots, and homes built for WWII returnees should be preserved or maintained wherever possible.
Natural environment
Protect and restore native ecosystems, expand green spaces, and connect habitats. Use nature-based solutions like wetlands and urban forests to manage stormwater and reduce heat. Control pests, support community-led restoration, and embed Māori values. Ensure all communities have access to nature and build climate resilience through greener, spongier urban design.
Community
I’ll support inclusive, community-led planning to strengthen local identity and wellbeing. Invest in accessible facilities, youth spaces, and services that reflect diverse needs. I’d love to see more community engagement—life is tough nationally, and we need kotahitanga. A supportive community can ease the burden of everyday life and help people feel connected, valued, and resilient. We have a diverse community and people should feel connected and less lonely.
Economic and cultural development
I’ll support local economic growth by backing small businesses, social enterprises, and rangatahi-led ventures. We need to attract people back to our town centres—these are the heart of our communities. While I understand resources are limited, we must make bold choices to reconnect people and breathe life into our towns. A thriving local economy also means celebrating our cultural heritage through events, markets, and urban design that reflect our identity.
Well-managed local government and outcomes for Māori
I’ll advocate for strong Māori outcomes by embedding kaupapa Māori in decision-making and partnering with mana whenua to uplift wellbeing, te reo, and cultural identity. The Port of Auckland must serve both people and place—generating fair returns, improving public access, and protecting the harbour. I’ll support growing the Auckland Future Fund to reduce reliance on rates and invest in long-term resilience. Storm recovery must be community-led, with support for housing, wellbeing, and climate.
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.