Ngā kaitono poari ā-rohe 2025Local board candidates 2025

Papakura Local Board

Papakura Action Team

Candidate statement

Felicity is a long-time Papakura resident, raised locally and currently teaching music/arts at Papakura Normal School. Married with four adult children, she is committed to building a vibrant, family-friendly future for Papakura. She brings 40 years' experience across local governance, small business ownership, community events (including conducting Carols in the Park), sports team management, and social services. Her governance service includes six years as a Papakura District Councillor, nine years on the Papakura Local Board, and trustee roles at St Mary's and Hingaia Peninsula Schools. Felicity values both vision and delivery. She championed land for Opaheke and Hingaia's sports parks, backed projects like the local art gallery, Walters Road footpath, intergenerational fitness stations, Elizabeth Campbell upgrades, and protection of Kirk's Bush, Pahurehure Inlet and Pukekiwiriki Pā. Felicity supports retaining weekly rubbish collections, championed by Councillor Newman to protect Papakura's public health and cleanliness. Vote Felicity Auva'a and all Action Candidates.

Papakura Local Board

Candidate statement

I am proud and privileged to be standing as your candidate for the Papakura Local Board elections. My interest in standing as a candidate stems from working as a voluntary community organiser in the Papakura District for the last 2 years. Part of my organising role has been to work with communities on developing civil emergency planning. As a candidate I will be promoting more awareness and support for civil emergency planning at a neighbourhood level through appropriate council channels. One of the other interests I would like to focus on is ensuring council spending and accountability is more transparent and giving value for rate payer dollars. We are all looking for ways to counter the cost-of-living crisis and council should be more actively involved in trying to contain operating costs and rate payer charges. I look forward to your support and working with you all.

Papakura Local Board

Papakura Action Team

Candidate statement

A long-time Papakura resident, Brent Catchpole has served as a Papakura Local Board member since 2010. He is a former Papakura District Councillor and List Member of Parliament. Brent has successfully led the Papakura Local Board as Chairperson for the past nine years. He is driving change to improve security with a strong focus on personal and property safety in Papakura, Takanini and Karaka. Brent led Action's efforts to upgrade Papakura City FC facilities at McLennan Park, the shared path at Pulman Park, and the recreation space at Opaheke Park. He favours a strong relationship between the Board and the Papakura and Takanini Business Associations. As an Action candidate, Brent supports the retention of the weekly household rubbish collection service as championed by Councillor Daniel Newman - a weekly service for Papakura's public health and cleanliness. Please vote for Brent Catchpole and every other Action candidate.

Papakura Local Board

#LovePapakura

Candidate statement

Laura Fourie has lived in Papakura for 16 years. She works as a Health, Safety and Wellbeing Manager across Australia and NZ divisions of a major Agri-business supplying farming industries. During six years of managing Bruce Pulman Park's accommodation facility, she hosted the All Blacks and other high-performance sports teams! Her effective coordination with sports fields, outdoor courts and gymnastics arena maintenance, benefited local families. Laura prioritises positive youth health outcomes and public transport safety, drawing on her experience as a parent, and managing outdoor education at Camp Adair and Kokako Lodge in Hunua for eight years. With three Black Belts and 8 medals from World Karate competitions, Sensei Laura taught in five local schools, preparing students for national and international tournaments. A busy solo mum, she supports a swimming club and chairs the PTA of a Drury school. Two Council votes Joseph Allan, Cunningham-Marino. Six Local Board votes #LovePapakura.

Papakura Local Board

ACT Local

Candidate statement

Time and again, Papakura local board has let residents down with neglected public facilities, wasteful spending on handouts and nice‑to‑haves, and decisions driven by ideology instead of practical solutions. It’s time for a shake‑up. As a long‑time Papakura local, a business owner, and someone who has supported community charities for over a decade, I understand the issues our neighbourhoods face because I see them every day. With more than 15 years of leadership experience in sales and management, I bring the practical, solutions‑focused approach needed to ensure Papakura’s voice is heard and respected. By voting for me as an ACT Local candidate, you know what you’ll get: I will support real investment where it’s needed, improve transparency and accountability and advocate to reduce congestion and improve accessibility in our town centres. If you want common sense back on the board, please give me one of your votes.

Papakura Local Board

#LovePapakura

Candidate statement

Dr Craig Hansen is an experienced educator, charitable trust board member and business person. A proud family man living and working in our community for 21 years, Craig recently helped launch an alternative education programme at Papakura High School. He is highly qualified; at the top of his field with a PhD in Education (creative technologies) and Masters of Educational Management. Dr Craig has dedicated his career to empowering young minds, and helping communities create vibrant, thriving neighbourhoods. He is passionate about improving local infrastructure, fostering safer places to live and play, and advocating for better local employment opportunities. Dr Craig has a proven track record helping communities find solutions to difficult issues, including training senior leaders internationally in disaster/emergency relief, and combating human trafficking. He is eager to build a stronger, more connected Papakura. Two Council votes Joseph Allan, Cunningham-Marino. Six Local Board votes #LovePapakura.

Papakura Local Board

Papakura Action Team

Candidate statement

Lives in Papakura. George Hawkins is Papakura born and bred. He attended Papakura Central, Rosehill Intermediate and Rosehill College. He now works as a primary school teacher. George's younger children attend Opaheke School and his daughter works at an ECE in Drury. His parents both taught at Rosehill College and his father, George, was the Mayor of Papakura from 1983 to 1992. During his time on the Papakura Local Board, George has worked closely with the Papakura Youth Council ensuring that the youth of Papakura's voice is heard. He is strongly supportive of both the visual and performing arts in Papakura. He has been active in pursuing local road safety issues and has worked closely with communities to advocate for issues that are important to them. George will continue to be a strong voice for Papakura residents. Please vote for George Hawkins and every other Action candidate.

Papakura Local Board

Papakura Action Team

Candidate statement

Lives in Conifer Grove. Member, Papakura Local Board, Chair, Conifer Grove Residents Association, and Vice President, Totara Park Mountain Bike Club. Kelvin Hieatt, a former pupil of Papakura High School, is Papakura to the core, his parents Barb and Gary Hieatt raised him well! Some of his projects include the removal of roaming dogs attacking cats in Conifer Grove, and upgrades to its CCTV security system. Kelvin believes in high standards of stewardship when Auckland Council is spending ratepayer's money. He has been involved in numerous projects, including: upgrades to stormwater ponds at Pulman Park, the Prince Edward Park softball diamond renewal, and the opening of the Opaheke passive park. As an Action candidate, Kelvin supports the retention of the weekly household rubbish collection service as championed by Councillor Daniel Newman, a weekly service for Papakura's public health and cleanliness. Please vote for Kelvin Hieatt and every other Action candidate.

Papakura Local Board

Independent

Candidate statement

For six years I have been asking you (my community) to allow me the opportunity to stand and be given the honour to represent the town which has nurtured my childhood, given me the pride to bring children into this town. I have watched our local governance become more and more politically aligned - especially since the emergence of the politically created experiment I call the Super (Dooper) City. We don't need political inspired groups - we need local (and vocal) representatives. I know Papakura; I love Papakura. I want to stand up and represent Papakura! Please vote for Karin Kerr. Thank you in advance for any and everyone who ticks my name. Change for the better.

Papakura Local Board

#LovePapakura

Candidate statement

Piritaka Manuel lives here, raised here, and attended Papakura High. He supports weekly rubbish collections, vibrant town centres, youth initiatives, safer streets, connected communities and improved asset maintenance. Piritaka is experienced at managing costs and budgets. As General Manager of Stampede he ran a family-friendly restaurant, hosted international acts, and ensured safety for up to 600 patrons. As a Project Manager Piritaka helped establish and renovate local hospitality businesses, including Red Earth. Employed at Papakura Marae in 2021 to support whānau and mentor rangatahi, now on the governance Executive, he continues to nurture relationships with local employers like Fonterra and Fisher and Paykel Healthcare, fostering better future job opportunities for our youth. A proud father, with a passion for personal fitness, he is a regular attendee at the Takanini Run Club, and supports his family with their fitness business. Two Council votes Joseph Allan, Cunningham-Marino. Six Local Board votes #LovePapakura.

Papakura Local Board

Candidate statement

I am hoping to provide a non political and different new blood to our Papakura. My background is in Corporate Management, Finance and Accounting. I have recently retired after working in and with some of the largest NZ businesses. I believe in community led abilities and solutions. Current new housing developments has stressed our various infrastructures. My priorities for Papakura are to improve transport and roading, boost employment opportunities by encouraging new businesses, empower our people to be self reliant. (the can-do attitude). Papakura youth unemployment is worrying. Youth training and mentoring requires our leaders and our senior citizens to actively transfer knowledge, skills and civic ethics. I will greatly appreciate your precious vote for me.

Papakura Local Board

#LovePapakura

Candidate statement

Ranbir Pabla moved to Papakura 40 years ago to raise his family and is now living in Takanini. His children attended Rosehill College and were involved in Club Athletics. He is the Vice President of the Papakura Athletic and Harrier Club, with 23 years of voluntary service to the club as a coach, and delegate to the regional athletics body. Ranbir's expertise in sports leadership means he knows the importance of providing more local sports activities for youth, and improving and developing community facilities for all people of Papakura. His background working with multicultural groups, and in small business across retail, transport and security, will contribute to his goal to help build a thriving local economy. Ranbir's studies in Te Reo Māori and environmental management has strengthened his desire to protect local parks, bush and waterways for future generations. Two Council votes Joseph Allan, Cunningham-Marino. Six Local Board votes #LovePapakura.

Papakura Local Board

Papakura Action Team

Candidate statement

Lives in Karaka Lakes. Deputy Chair, Papakura Local Board for the past six years. A Justice of the Peace and a Marriage Celebrant. Jan Robinson has worked within Papakura for over 30 years. She is a member of Quota Papakura and regularly helps fundraise to assist initiatives such as the Grandparents Raising Grandchildren Charitable Trust. Jan demands the highest standard of stewardship when the Council is spending ratepayer's money. Local projects she has been involved in include feasibility funding for Papakura Tennis and Squash, the refurbishment of Papakura City FC's facilities at McLennan Park, the new shared path at Pulman Park, and the opening of Opaheke Park's recreation space. As an Action candidate, Jan supports the retention of the weekly household rubbish collection service as championed by Councillor Daniel Newman - a weekly service for Papakura's public health and cleanliness. Please vote for Jan Robinson and every other Action candidate.

Papakura Local Board

#LovePapakura

Candidate statement

Caitlyn is a Team Leader at Conservation Volunteers NZ, dedicated to restoring water quality along the 63km Papakura Stream. Caitlyn lives in Takaanini, attended Rosehill College, attained her double-major postgraduate Degree in English and Media. From age eight she played netball at Bruce Pulman Park, a classically-trained ballet dancer, orchestral viola musician, Polyfest cultural group leader and streetdancer in the NZ dance battling community. While a Teachers Learning Assistant, her young students inspired Caitlyn to pursue modelling with an environmental focus. Crowned Miss Earth NZ 2023, Caitlyn continues as a NZ representative globally with the intent of being a positive role model. Through wide-ranging experience, from environmental leadership to the arts and youth advocacy, Caitlyn brings a strong, credible voice for our young people; those who will live with today’s decisions tomorrow. Papakura needs Caitlyn at the decision-making table. Two Council votes Joseph Allan, Cunningham-Marino. Six Local Board votes #LovePapakura.

Papakura Local Board

#LovePapakura

Candidate statement

Kim Squire brings extensive knowledge from 21 years working within Manukau City and Auckland Council, holding key roles in Civil Defence, as Welfare Centre Manager for Papakura, and Sport and Recreation Investment Advisor. Her deep understanding of council operations and community development equips her to effectively support local projects and volunteers. Kim has lived in Papakura for 35 years with her husband, their two sons, and three grandchildren. She loves watching her granddaughter play softball, enjoying the views of Pahurehure Inlet, and the excitement of football at McLennan Park. These moments inspire her commitment to protect the community. It’s time for change. We need to provide more support to our local clubs, improve Mill Road, manage growth responsibly, and ensure our community feels safe and secure. Kim has the experience we need around the decision making table. Two Council votes Joseph Allan, Cunningham-Marino. Six Local Board votes #LovePapakura.

Papakura Local Board

Papakura Action Team

Candidate statement

Attended Rosehill College, and now a first-home owner in Papakura. Andrew Webster is of European, Indian and Ngāi Tahu descent. Andrew is a current member of the Papakura Local Board. He has served on the Papakura Intermediate School board of trustees. He is the Financial Controller for a local charitable organisation. Andrew attends Harvest Christian Church, serving in music and creative arts and an avid tennis player. With a background in Finance, Andrew worked for two major banks in commercial banking, providing business development services. Andrew's heart is for enhancing Papakura. He champions strong fiscal management and value for money in all areas of Local Board governance and community oversight. As an Action candidate, Andrew supports the retention of the weekly household rubbish collection as championed by Councillor Daniel Newman - a weekly service for Papakura's public health and cleanliness. Please vote for Andrew Webster and every other Action candidate.