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Eric Boon Leong CHUAH
Candidate for North Shore Ward
Independent
Candidate statement
Eric Chuah former party strategist and electorate candidate for United NZ Hon. Peter Dunne who won the seat of Ohariu-Belmont in Wellington, and former candidate for a centrist party for Auckland seat of Maungakiekie (2023 elections) will be running for the Auckland Mayoralty, Ward (North Shore), and Kaipatiki Local Board. Dr. Eric Chuah as Independent candidate, combines academic teaching/research in psychology, sociology and business, policy development for Immigration policy(legislated in German Parliament 2020). with problem-solving consulting experience. He will provide pragmatic Action Plans to create and implement strategic vision for better delivery of local council services, minimize increase in rates, reduce unnecessary council spending and ensure safer policing and noise control for local residents and businesses. As a Lion Clubs/RSA member, he states, 'Serving locally requires a balanced nonpartisan approach eschewing left/right politics focused on cost savings, fair and positive outcomes for all Aucklanders.'
Why I want to be elected
Dr. Eric Chuah as Independent candidate, combines academic teaching/research in psychology, sociology and business, policy development for Immigration policy(legislated in German Parliament 2020). with problem-solving consulting experience. He will provide pragmatic Action Plans to create and implement strategic vision for better delivery of local council services, minimize increase in rates, reduce unnecessary council spending and ensure safer policing and noise control for local residents.
My key skills and qualities
Combines academic teaching/research in psychology, sociology and business, policy development for Immigration policy (legislated in German Parliament 2020). with problem-solving consulting experience. Project coordinating with EU Commission and NGOs stakeholders. Insurance broker for farmers, owned/ran cafe, assistant manager tele sales (30 staff), Telstra Clear Karori Exec, AsiaPac manager for Fire Denyers NZ that won Housing NZ award(2010)for installing 10000 auto alarm systems at $500 each.
My top three key issues
1.Lower rates in Auckland by finding cost savings. Example, rates are $4000 and water rates are $1000 for homes prices at 1.4 million. Pensioners start each year $5K down. 2. $778 million (2020-2023) was spent on temporary traffic management (Chris Bishop). Each road cone cost $5 each. Many road cones left on side roads clogging traffic after project finished costing ratepayers $. Example 8 years left on Auckland side road costing 14.4 mil. 3. Reduce overspend arts toilet/Xmas tree-1mil each.
My position on key topics
Transport
1. Ensuring operating costs is managed particularly AT's return to Council return. there needs to be further evaluation, audit of its management and operation systems, the frameworks of KPIs for staff for all levels to ensure efficient delivery of services while reducing operating costs. 2. Reducing road cones clogging traffic after temporary traffic management projects completed. Auditing past projects costing $778 billion (2020-2023) and current costing estimates of $400 mil, each cone cost $5
Water
Long term wastewater management planning is synchronize with stormwater management, ensuring streams, drain, gullies that water flows through during rains are integrated to mitigate flashfloods as in 2023 which affected West Auckland areas and North Shore (Wairau/Forrest Hill/Sunnynook) costing ratepayers. Natural water catchment areas need to be preserved as part of Auckland Unitary Plan to ensure property development/subdivisions are done within building guidelines. Due diligence is priority!
Built environment
The RMA in 1991 was legislated contextually then to ensure due diligence on unbridled property development/subdivision for the safety and protection of Auckland residents. Though some aspects of 'heritage' sites may be contextually in 2025 outmoded with increasing population density, housing needs, etc, there is still the need to maintain safety and quality requirements. You don't 'throw out the baby (RMA) instead of the bathwater' Thus urban development needs integrated planning & solutions.
Natural environment
Natural spaces such as parks, forest treks, lakes, water reserves ensure biodiversity that provides balance to nature's processes to refresh the soil with nutrients, ensure balance between acidity/alkaline soil textures. Trees and roots prevent soil erosion reduces landslides caused by flashfloods. Unbridled development, ad hoc stormwater fixtures as happened in many developing countries do affect nature's environmental balance. Hence the Auckland LT Plan & Unitary Plan to ensure sustainability.
Community
By liaising with various community groups, associations interlinked with the stakeholders, both public and private to listen and receive feedback, communicate council policies to ensure continued improvement of facilities via efficient management and allocating of resources. I adopt a 'community sharing' approach where community wellbeing may be enhanced by holding cultural food fairs, Asian/European where acceptance of each other may be fostered and enhanced. Also public forums held by Wards.
Economic and cultural development
Liaising with local businesses to hold 'local community business fairs ' showcasing and promoting their products/services. Encouraging sister cities to encourage free trade, business/cultural exchanges but done without 'ideological political leverage' which may undermine NZ sovereignty. Food fairs of various community groups will be encouraged to foster community unity and appreciation of one another via culinary delights. Rather than divide and rule celebration of cultures can foster growth.
Well-managed local government and outcomes for Māori
Continue to encourage Maori Iwi business growths via their respective enterprise vehicles as they are part of the founding document signed by Crown/Maori (1835). The Port of Auckland Management and Unions are exemplary in ensuring no 'strikes' for last 3 years which demonstrates that communications, interaction and cooperation can foster understanding to grow the economy for everyone's benefit. Aucklnad Future's Fund has 1.34 billion uninvested, if unused return to ratepayers. $500 off each rate
Candidate's supporting links
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