Disclaimer
The information on this page has been provided by the candidates. It does not reflect the views or positions of Auckland Council.
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.
Why I want to be elected
Kim is determined to set a good example with meeting processes and procedures, this means reading and understanding reports and asking questions. Kim believes in collaboration and on ways to reach, strengthen and educate communities to ensure project deliverables.
My key skills and qualities
Kim has a Diploma in Management, New Zealand Institute of Management, and studied at Auckland University of Technology, Graduate Diploma in Business. 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.
My top three key issues
#LovePapakura will build a more engaged Local Board that listens and responds—so groups aren’t left waiting for a hall or help to feel safe. Finish Ōpaheke Park and upgrade play spaces for families. Make streets safer by repairing footpaths, sweeping streets to keep drains clear and prevent flooding, and supporting your choice for weekly rubbish collections so our neighbourhoods are cleaner, healthier, and more welcoming for everyone.
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 carparks 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’ll advocate for housing, transport and jobs that reflect Papakura’s identity and foster 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.