Disclaimer
The information on this page has been provided by the candidates. It does not reflect the views or positions of Auckland Council.
Wyllis Pateoro MAIHI
Candidate for Ōrākei Local Board
Independent
Candidate statement
Tēnā koutou katoa, to the diverse community of Ōrākei – a vibing suburb blending desirable coastal living with deep Māori cultural heritage. My name is Wyllis Maihi, and I am standing for your Local Board, driven by a belief in service, collective action, and responsive local leadership. As a lifelong resident, I am deeply committed to Ōrākei's progress, balancing development with preserving our unique environment and community spirit. My focus is fostering a healthy, connected community, advocating for improved local amenities, being kaitiaki (guardians) of our natural spaces, and ensuring services genuinely meet all residents' needs. I offer a unique perspective, shaped by a resilient Māori community and a career in building and education. I ask for your support and vote, so together, we build the future we envision for ourselves, our children, and grandchildren.
Tēnā koutou. Ko Wyllis Maihi tōku ingoa, I tipu ake ahau ki tēnei rohe, e tino ū ana ahau ki te aronganui mō te pai me te whai rawa o Tāmaki. Ko te wawatā nui kia puta ai ētahi hua hei whakawhānake i te hāpori arā, te taiao me te tangata. Waimarie ana nā ngā amo tītoki rā ngā kaupapa nui i kawe hei tauira mo tātou. Tēnei au ko tētahi uri e manako nui nei. Nō reira, pōti mai.
Why I want to be elected
I'm a 10th-generation resident, now raising my family here. My experience—growing up, being educated, and working across Tāmaki Makaurau—gives me a deep connection and unique insight into our community's character and needs. I am committed to making thoughtful, sustainable and strategic decisions that will build a stronger, more cohesive, and vibrant neighbourhood for everyone. This is more than a slogan; it is about our shared vision for "we." Locally Bred, Locally Led, Support Local!
My key skills and qualities
My experience as a builder, educator, and business owner provides direct, real-world insight into the impact of policy on our community. Having served consecutive terms on local iwi and community boards, I am dedicated to turning collaboration with agencies and Council into tangible results. I'm strategic, focused and problem solve. I bring a bicultural perspective and an intergenerational vision, committed to genuine partnership for locally led solutions that ensure our collective well-being.
My top three key issues
My priorities are to cultivate a thriving community by addressing key environmental and social challenges. I will champion resilient water management to minimize pollution and improve the health of our beaches. Simultaneously, invest in green projects that regenerate natural habitats, deal with invasive weeds, and strategically re-engage with our tracks & waterways. Our initiatives will also uplift our community by addressing critical issues like loneliness, safety, and care for our vulnerable.
My position on key topics
Transport
My transport priorities focus on a sustainable, connected Ōrākei. I'll advocate for improved public transport and shared paths and cycling infrastructure to reduce congestion and our impact on the taiao. I'll champion green projects that link our tracks and waterways, making our community more walkable and resilient. This approach ensures our transport solutions are effective for today and for future generations. A system that works with our natural environment, not against it.
Water
For the Ōrākei Local Board, I'll manage water with a focus on sustainability. I'll support Watercare to fix leaks and upgrade pipes to improve supply and wastewater. Our priority is also to protect the taiao by championing green infrastructure and water-sensitive design to improve water quality, minimise flooding and run off to our beaches and local streams. Projects like the Okahu Bay pipe separation and mussel reef project are vital in making our local beaches healthy again.
Built environment
From a local perspective, the focus is on managing growth in a way that aligns with the community's character. The Ōrākei Local Board can partner with friends to champion sensitive housing and infrastructure, protecting ancestral wāhi tapu while honouring both the iwi's and local residents vision. This collaborative approach ensures values guide sustainable growth. This involves seeing infrastructure projects as opportunities to build community and also heal the taiao.
Natural environment
Top ideas for Ōrākei's natural spaces include kaitiakitanga-led partnerships. This means accelerating water quality projects like Pourewa Creek restoration and others to heal the wai and heal the whenua, land. It also involves enhancing biodiversity by planting native species to create green corridors and strengthening climate resilience through holistic, community-led action. The ultimate idea is to shift from a reactive, infrastructure-based model, to a proactive partnership model.
Community
To build strong Ōrākei communities, the focus is on community partnerships. We'll improve facilities like sports fields and libraries, create better walking and cycling paths, and restore natural spaces. By collaborating with the business community including Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei, we can deliver culturally-responsive services that support residents' wellbeing and environmental health. We can do this by funding local events, supporting community groups and ensure residents voices are heard.
Economic and cultural development
A vision that boosts economic growth, supports local businesses, and promotes cultural heritage, involves three interconnected pillars: Economic Growth & Business Support: Invest in our unique villages revitalisation and infrastructure to attract visitors and support local enterprise. Cultural Heritage: Partner with Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei to weave Māori cultural values and narratives into the community. Sustainability & Resilience: Champion eco-friendly practices to ensure a healthy environment.
Well-managed local government and outcomes for Māori
Well-managed local government for Māori means co-governance, not just consultation. This involves: Ports: Sharing strategic decisions with mana whenua on environmental stewardship. Future Fund: Investing a portion to build Māori economic resilience and intergenerational wealth. Storm Recovery: Partnering with Māori groups to lead community-based, culturally informed relief and rebuilding efforts. This approach works & Māori are equal partners in shaping a resilient and thriving Auckland.
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.