Ngā kaitono poari kaitiaki raihana ā-waipiro 2025Licensing trust candidates 2025

Mount Wellington Licensing Trust

Independent

Candidate statement

I am honoured to stand as a candidate for Mt Wellington Licensing Trust. My journey has taken me from the skies as an international cabin crew member to the front lines of healthcare as an emergency registered nurse. These experiences have shaped not only my work ethic and compassion but also my deep commitment to service and community wellbeing. Mt Wellington is a place of vibrant diversity and opportunity, but also one where our shared assets and future deserve careful stewardship. My candidacy is driven by a vision of a Licensing Trust that puts the community first, where decisions are shaped through genuine consultation, and community involvement is valued. My current role as a registered nurse has taught me the importance of listening, transparency, and accountability - qualities I will bring to the Trust on your behalf.

Mount Wellington Licensing Trust

Labour

Candidate statement

I grew up in Papatoetoe and have returned to Auckland and live in Mt Wellington. As a former Library Manager, I will bring skills of leadership, governance, and an ability to focus on practical solutions. I am standing for the Mt Wellington Licencing Trust as I totally support the goals of the Trust which are to ‘serve the community, maximise the return on assets and in turn community giving’. I have prior trust experience as chair of the PSA Childcare Trust and extensive volunteering experience. I love living in Mt Wellington and enjoy the ever-changing community landscape and the amazing diversity of people within the community. I am eager to be part of an organisation that serves to empower and support local communities to succeed. I have no conflicts of interest.

Mount Wellington Licensing Trust

C&R - Communities and Residents

Candidate statement

I live in Mount Wellington with my husband and three sons, and I teach at Stanhope Road School. I hold a Master's degree in Business and bring strong leadership and commercial experience from my previous role as a General Manager. Through service on boards including Sport Auckland and the Mount Wellington Charitable Trust, I've gained valuable governance experience. I'm a local advocate, a Justice of the Peace, and a former Local Board Member with a deep commitment to community service and a strong understanding of how Council works. As a result, the Trust is in a position to make long-term investments in our community for future generations. MWLT has the opportunity to give back more each year than it has in the past decade - a win for local residents. I believe in practical, community-focused leadership; making decisions that support the wellbeing of our people. Vote Tabetha Elliott and C&R

Mount Wellington Licensing Trust

C&R - Communities and Residents

Candidate statement

Mt Wellington is home for me, my wife, and our three boys. I'm proud to serve as President of the Mount Wellington Licensing Trust, where I've worked alongside a team to secure the Trust's long-term sustainability. This positions us to significantly increase financial support for local organisations and community initiatives - something I'm truly proud of. My professional background spans award-winning businesses in telecommunications and fitness, where I've developed strong corporate and managerial expertise. For the past three years, I've led as a CEO in the health sector, with a focus on youth mental health - an increasingly urgent issue in our community. I'm standing to continue this momentum: to strengthen local investment, support community wellbeing, and deliver real outcomes. With proven leadership and a genuine commitment to service, I'm ready to keep working for a stronger, healthier future for all in our community. Vote Troy Elliott and C&R.

Mount Wellington Licensing Trust

Labour

Candidate statement

I'm proud to be serving my third consecutive term as an elected trustee of the Mount Wellington Licensing Trust, representing our community under the Labour ticket. For nearly 20 years, I've held various leadership roles across governance, strategy, and grassroots community development. During my terms I've had the privilege of serving as President of the Trust for 18 months, guiding our strategic direction and upholding strong community-focused governance. I'm also a Director of the Mount Wellington Trust Hotels and a Trustee of the Mount Wellington Charitable Trust, where I play an active role in ensuring decisions are made with the future of our community at the forefront. These roles have deepened my commitment to reinvesting locally and delivering outcomes that matter. I'm standing again to continue championing community voice, equity, and partnerships that uplift our neighbourhoods. Please vote the full Labour team for trusted, experienced local leadership.

Mount Wellington Licensing Trust

C&R - Communities and Residents

Candidate statement

Andrew is a long-time Mount Wellington resident who has lived and served in the community for over 30 years. He is passionate about youth development and currently coaches at College Rifles Rugby Club, where he mentors young athletes and promotes the positive influence of sport on young people's lives. In addition to his community involvement, Andrew brings strong leadership and governance experience as a board member of the New Zealand Marine Transport Association. He is deeply committed to the future of Mount Wellington and wants to ensure the long-term sustainability of the Mount Wellington Licensing Trust. Andrew believes in open, honest, and transparent communication with the community and is focused on maintaining the trust's positive impact. His dedication to service, combined with a strong track record in leadership and youth advocacy, makes him a passionate and reliable representative for the people of Mount Wellington. Vote Andrew Lees and all C&R

Mount Wellington Licensing Trust

C&R - Communities and Residents

Candidate statement

I'm standing for the Mount Wellington Licensing Trust because I believe in fair, balanced progress that genuinely reflects the needs of our local community. Mount Wellington has been my home for the past seven years, and I'm passionate about giving back to the place that has given me so much. I bring a thoughtful, community-focused approach to decision-making - responsive when needed, but always grounded in listening, discussion, and understanding. I'm committed to keeping the Trust transparent, accountable, and focused on delivering real value for residents. I'm also focused on securing continued investment in our community and its future - supporting local initiatives, services, and infrastructure that improve daily life and build long-term benefits. With a strong interest in the wellbeing of our community, I would be honoured to represent Mount Wellington and help shape a future that is inclusive, sustainable, and puts people first. Vote Craig Mackenzie and C&R

Mount Wellington Licensing Trust

C&R - Communities and Residents

Candidate statement

I'm a long-time resident of Mount Wellington, having grown up in the area and now raising my daughter here. I come from a strong Niuean family and am deeply rooted in this community. I work as a teacher at Stanhope Road School and lead the cross-schools network, supporting collaboration and shared opportunities for students across our local schools. My family has a proud connection to the Mount Wellington Rugby Club, and I'm a passionate advocate for youth access to sport. I believe sport plays a vital role in building confidence, resilience, and belonging in young people. I'm committed to ensuring the long-term viability of the Mount Wellington Licensing Trust (MWLT), so it can continue delivering benefits to local families. I want to see the Trust grow its ability to reinvest in our community and create a thriving, inclusive Mount Wellington for generations to come. Vote Petunia Makaua and C&R

Mount Wellington Licensing Trust

Labour

Candidate statement

I’m a union organiser, Auckland FC season ticket holder, recent first-time parent and Mount Wellington local. I believe change is made through empowering local leaders. This will be my approach if elected to the Licensing Trust, which is in a unique position to support local innovation and leadership. With experience as a director of non-profit and commercial organisations, you can also trust me to be a responsible governor of our shared resources. A vote for me is a vote for ambition for our community.

Mount Wellington Licensing Trust

C&R - Communities and Residents

Candidate statement

I'm standing for the Mount Wellington Licensing Trust because I believe in fair, balanced progress that genuinely reflects the needs of our local community. Mount Wellington has been my home for the past seven years, and I'm passionate about giving back to the place that has given me so much. I bring a thoughtful, community-focused approach to decision-making - responsive when needed, but always grounded in listening, discussion, and understanding. I'm committed to keeping the Trust transparent, accountable, and focused on delivering real value for residents. I'm also focused on securing continued investment in our community and its future - supporting local initiatives, services, and infrastructure that improve daily life and build long-term benefits. With a strong interest in the wellbeing of our community, I would be honoured to represent Mount Wellington and help shape a future that is inclusive, sustainable, and puts people first. Vote Murray McChesney and C&R

Mount Wellington Licensing Trust

Tamaki Residents Association

Candidate statement

I have longstanding ties to Panmure, having grown up in the area and returned in 1989. Since then, I have established my home, raised my family, and operated a business that creates employment opportunities for locals and contributes to the local economy with a recycling programme. With over 35 years of experience in managing a family-run enterprise both locally and internationally, I have strong problem-solving skills, an ability to handle complex situations, and a proactive approach to achieving results. I am also a life coach and mentor, assisting individuals in overcoming personal challenges to build promising futures. My commitment is to represent and advocate for the interests of the community by prioritising better communication, better planning, and better engagement to achieve positive outcomes for all. When required, I am prepared to address the critical issues impacting our community and ask the necessary questions to drive progress.

Mount Wellington Licensing Trust

Tamaki Residents Association

Candidate statement

I am a wife, mother of three, holder of the Samoan High Chief title of Peseta. I have lived and worked in Panmure for 36 years, a place I am proud to call home. I have extensive business experience as a sole trader, entrepreneur, and in family enterprises both locally and internationally. My commitment to community service is demonstrated through a wide range of volunteer roles, including participation on rhythmic gymnastics sports committees, former Panmure Business Association Board member, making costumes for dance groups, teaching Year 5 students knitting skills, fundraising for sporting activities and dance competitions, and providing local business mentorship and local community advocacy. As the founder of Panmure Remember When (2021), an online community with 31,466 members, I actively engaged with the wider Tamaki community. My interaction with local perspectives, narratives, and histories has motivated my decision to stand as a candidate.

Mount Wellington Licensing Trust

Independent

Candidate statement

I am answering the call from my community to stand for three positions in this election, and ask for your votes, as I feel this community deserves better. I continue to serve the community as my family have done for five generations. I work in the Marine Industry for local and International clients, and have years of experience on Boards and Committees such as Grey Power President for Howick, Panmure and Districts, President of Panmure Historical Society Inc, Chair of Panmure Basin Advisory Committee. I have history as a Community Volunteer helping with Community Patrols, pest control, and coordinating local clean ups. I believe this community should have a say in what happens with open honesty, transparency and accountability.

Mount Wellington Licensing Trust

Independent

Candidate statement

As a long-serving member of the Panmure Mt Wellington community, including as a former Maungakiekie-Tamaki Local Board member and a Mount Wellington Licensing Trust member (including eight years as President), I have witnessed with dismay a succession of trustees whose private agendas have led to the sale of the very assets they were elected to manage and safeguard on behalf of our community. At its best, the Trust was responsible for financing The Panmure Young Citizens Centre and Swimarama (as they were known), as well as The Auckland Netball Centre and numerous clubs, foodbanks and service organisations in our area. This is no longer the case. I stand for taking back control of the Mount Wellington Licensing Trust assets and ensuring the proceeds are returned to the community, plus restoring the principles of full disclosure, accountability and honesty in all decisions made by our team on behalf of our community.

Mount Wellington Licensing Trust

Independent

Candidate statement

I’m a self-employed supply chain consultant supporting small New Zealand businesses in developing export capabilities to get their products to the world. I have lived in the Panmure area since childhood, and am the mother of three wonderful adults. I care deeply about this community as it’s a great place to live and work, and I believe the community should have a say in what happens to their assets. Currently this is not happening, as the present Trust Board voted to sell all its vital community assets not informing community until the assets were placed on the open market. In July after 10 months of no public meetings the trustees notified their vote to convert to a community trust. I believe that this community deserves better, and wants an active, engaged Trust Board that’s open, honest, provides more support for community groups, and who will put the community’s interests first.