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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.
Laura FOURIE
Candidate for 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.
Why I want to be elected
Laura wants to strengthen community wellbeing, ensure safer spaces for youth, and support better health outcomes for all. She is passionate about smart investment in infrastructure, opportunities for young people, and sustainable growth in infrastructure. With a focus on fairness, collaboration, and ensuring community voices are heard, she will work to create a thriving, safe, healthy and connected Papakura.
My key skills and qualities
Laura brings strong leadership, clear communication, and a proven ability to listen and act on community needs. With experience in collaboration, problem-solving, and governance, she is committed to making fair, transparent decisions. Her passion for youth safety, community health & wellbeing, and sustainable growth ensures she will serve Papakura with dedication, integrity, and a focus on positive outcomes for all. BHSc (Occupational Therapy), Dip Business, Dip Youth Work, Cert (Public Health).
My top three key issues
To be a crucial part of the Local Board that listens and responds, so groups aren’t left waiting for support. I support the completion of Ōpaheke Park and upgrading play and recreational spaces for families, supporting positive health outcomes, while pushing for safer streets through better footpath repairs, cleaner drains to reduce flooding, and weekly rubbish collections to keep our neighbourhoods looking good.
My position on key topics
Transport
#LovePapakura will push for more funding and decision-making for Local Boards with the restructure of Auckland Transport, delivering safety and maintenance that meet local needs. Fix broken footpaths, set sensible speed limits, and improve safety around schools. Upgrade roads, signs, and lights, promote walking and cycling, add accessible car parks in high-density areas, curb roaming dogs, and improve lighting near stations, bus stops, and alleyways.
Water
#LovePapakura backs protecting water quality, supply, and resilience. Ōpaheke Park’s wetlands and streams treat stormwater before it flows to the Manukau Harbour, while reducing flood risk. Future developments should follow this model—open spaces that serve both as valued amenities in dense urban areas and as flood protection. We’ll invest in upgrades, conservation, and partnerships with mana whenua to safeguard waterways.
Built environment
#LovePapakura supports urban growth that’s well-connected, with reliable, direct public transport so people can reach work or leisure quickly without long waits or multiple transfers. We oppose developments and intensification in flood prone areas. We will back housing and infrastructure that fit local needs, protect heritage, and create vibrant, walkable communities where amenities, green spaces, and transport links are integrated and accessible for quality living in a growing Auckland.
Natural environment
#LovePapakura will provide strong leadership on climate action, fund local waste minimisation and support Climate Ready Papakura for community-led resilience planning. Promote water efficiency, reduce food waste and emissions, and improve home insulation. Protect waterways, harbours, beaches, and streams. Support emergency preparedness, pest and weed management, and integrate risk reduction, readiness, response, and recovery across the community.
Community
#LovePapakura will back local groups, like Takaanini for a new hall, and help Bottle Top Bay residents tackle anti-social behaviour and rubbish. Upgrade playgrounds based on community priorities, and extend free Massey Park Pool access to Goldcard holders, supervising adults and disabled people. Support events, sports for all children, youth spaces to belong, community gardens, urban farms, local hubs, the Community Resilience Network, and programmes that keep seniors connected and supported.
Economic and cultural development
#LovePapakura will work with Town Centre Managers to deliver strong economic plans, including funding for safety initiatives and opposing new off-licence liquor or vaping stores. Support local jobs through council procurement and business associations, prioritising youth employment. Promote skills training and qualification access. Encourage diverse local businesses and maintain a visible police presence in shopping areas.
Well-managed local government and outcomes for Māori
#LovePapakura upholds Te Tiriti o Waitangi and strong partnerships with mana whenua. We back Ara Kōtui so southern Iwi voices shape local decisions. Grounded in whanaungatanga, we value ties with Iwi, Mataawaka and Papakura Marae. We support Māori-led solutions, rangatahi leadership and whānau-focused communities. We will advocate for housing, transport and jobs that reflect Papakura’s identity and foster a sense of belonging.
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.