Ngā kaitono poari kaitiaki raihana ā-waipiro 2025Licensing trust candidates 2025

Portage Licensing Trust (Ward No. 5 - Kelston West)

Candidate statement

Kia ora! Kelston is a vibrant, diverse community I’m proud to call home. I’m standing for the Portage Licensing Trust to be a strong voice for our neighbourhood. I’m a member of the Institute of Directors, committed to good governance, integrity, and collaboration. As a tech professional with legal and commercial experience, I understand what it takes to run a successful, responsible business. I want the Trust to continue to be a force for good - supporting youth, whānau, local events and spaces that help our community thrive. That means responsible management of local alcohol licensing, and ensuring profits are reinvested in the community - where they belong. I value inclusive, grounded decision-making. I’ll bring both head and heart to the role, working constructively with others to get results that reflect the spirit of Kelston. Mauri Ora!

Portage Licensing Trust (Ward No. 5 - Kelston West)

Candidate statement

I’m a 21-year-old law student from West Auckland. As a young woman and second-generation migrant, I bring a fresh, lived perspective. I’ve seen firsthand how our drinking culture harms youth. In 2022–23, 1 in 6 New Zealanders were hazardous drinkers, with 18–24-year-olds drinking the most (ActionPoint, 2022–23). Alcohol harm costs $9.1 billion annually, yet little is invested in prevention (ActionPoint). Most residents don’t realise they buy from a public alcohol monopoly, where over 99% of license applications are approved with little scrutiny, making the Licensing Trusts’ role in harm minimisation and alcohol control even more critical. West Auckland Licensing Trusts earn over $4 million profit annually, hold $121 million in assets, and have no debts (Trusts Action) - yet only return 1.1% to the community (Berin, 2023). If elected, I’ll fight for transparency, reinvestment, and youth-focused harm prevention. Young people deserve a voice. What’s your limit? New voices. Real change.

Portage Licensing Trust (Ward No. 5 - Kelston West)

Independent

Candidate statement

Thank you for your support - I’m proud to serve as your current Kelston representative on the Portage Licensing Trust. I’ve lived in Kelston for 35 years, attending local schools and building my business here, so our community means a great deal to me. This term, I’ve worked hard to drive real change: initiating a full external review to identify ways the Trust can become more efficient, transparent, and accountable. I’ve also helped reduce internal costs, strengthened our social media presence, pushed for better security at our stores, and supported the launch of a brand-new bar out West. But the job’s not done. I want to keep pushing for a more streamlined organisation that gives more back to the community - through grants, local investment, and by supporting West Auckland businesses first. I’m standing again to continue the momentum and keep improving how the Trust works for all of us.