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The information on this page has been provided by the candidates. It does not reflect the views or positions of Auckland Council.
Piritaka MANUEL
Candidate for 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.
Why I want to be elected
I will bring experienced and confident leadership with a strong connection to Papakura’s unique needs. My priority is to support youth empowerment and work towards safer, more vibrant communities. I’m committed to upholding high expectations, acting with integrity through tikanga while fostering growth and resilience within our people.
My key skills and qualities
As a purpose-driven Māori leader, I bring a strong commitment to empowering our youth and improving outcomes for our communities. With deep experience and local knowledge of Papakura, I understand what’s needed to create safer communities and support a thriving Papakura. I’m known for firm, confident leadership, high standards, and a dedication to building future leaders through clarity, accountability, and connection to tikanga.
My top three key issues
Purpose Driven leadership Strong & Grounded Confident communicator
My position on key topics
Transport
#LovePapakura will advocate for increased funding and greater Local Board decision-making in Auckland Transport’s restructure to address local priorities. We’ll fix damaged footpaths, implement sensible speed limits, and enhance safety around schools. Our focus includes upgrading roads, signs, and lighting, promoting walking and cycling, adding accessible carparks in dense areas, managing roaming dogs, and improving lighting near stations, bus stops, and alleyways.
Water
#LovePapakura supports protecting wai quality, supply, and resilience. Ōpaheke Park’s wetlands and streams treat stormwater before it flows into Manukau Harbour, while reducing flood risk. Future developments should follow this tauira creating wāhi tūwhera that serve as valued community spaces and natural flood protection. We’ll invest in upgrades, conservation, and work closely with mana whenua to safeguard our waterways.
Built environment
#LovePapakura backs smart urban growth that’s well-connected with reliable, direct public transport getting people to work or play fast, with no long waits or confusing transfers. We stand against building in flood-prone areas. We support housing and infrastructure that respect local needs and heritage, creating vibrant, walkable neighborhoods where green spaces, amenities, and transport work together for a better quality of life in a growing Auckland.
Natural environment
#LovePapakura will lead on climate action by funding local waste reduction and backing Climate Ready Papakura’s community resilience plans. We’ll promote water efficiency, cut food waste and emissions, and boost home insulation. We’re committed to protecting our waterways, harbours, beaches, and streams. We’ll support emergency preparedness, manage pests and weeds, and coordinate risk reduction, readiness, response, and recovery across our community.
Community
#LovePapakura will back local groups like supporting a new hall in Takaanini and helping Bottle Top Bay residents tackle dumping and anti-social behaviour. We’ll upgrade playgrounds based on what locals want and extend free Massey Park Pool access to Gold Card holders, disabled people, and supervising adults. We’ll champion youth spaces, events, sports for all kids, community gardens, local hubs, urban farms, and programmes that keep seniors connected and supported.
Economic and cultural development
#LovePapakura will partner with Town Centre Managers to drive strong local economic plans, with funding for safety initiatives and a firm stance against new off-licence liquor and vaping outlets. We’ll support local jobs by leveraging council procurement, backing business associations, and prioritising youth employment. We’ll promote access to skills training and qualifications, support diverse local businesses, and advocate for a visible police presence in our shopping areas.
Well-managed local government and outcomes for Māori
#LovePapakura is committed to upholding Te Tiriti o Waitangi and fostering strong, enduring partnerships with mana whenua. This is a kaupapa I am deeply passionate about ensuring Māori voices are at the heart of local decision-making, particularly through Ara Kōtui. Guided by the values of whanaungatanga, we honour our relationships with iwi, mataawaka, and Papakura Marae. We proudly support Māori-led solutions, rangatahi leadership, and whānau-centred approaches. We will advocate for housing, t
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