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
Dog owners, you’ve been ignored, sidelined, and punished. I’m running to change that. I’m Mark Price, a Lynfield resident known for rescuing life-chained dogs and standing up for fair, evidence-based policy. I’m running because what happened at Monte Cecilia Park was unacceptable. The board, led by Ella Kumar and four C&R members, dismissed hundreds of submissions opposing their views and removed off-leash access, punishing responsible dog owners who used this park for years. I’ve supported dogs, security, value-for-money, and families. I know how vital safe, inclusive off-leash spaces are - and I back smarter enforcement, fenced areas, water bowls, bins, and respect for people who do the right thing. I’ve served as a national board executive on numerous boards, worked with the Puketāpapa Business Association, and supported local security initiatives. I know how to deliver. If you’re a dog owner who’s had enough - I’m ready to represent you.
Kua whakahawea, kua whakakore, kua whiua ngā kaipupuri kurī. Ka tū au hei kaitono kia rerekē tēnei āhua. Ko Mark Price tōku ingoa. He kainoho nō Lynfield, he kaitiaki kurī, ā, he kaitautoko i ngā kaupapa here tōkeke, i runga i te taunakitanga. Ka tū au nā te mea kāore i tika te whakatau mō Monte Cecilia Park. Nā Ella Kumar me ngā mema tokowhā o C&R i whakakore i te wāhi kurī, ahakoa ngā rau o ngā tāpaetanga. I whara rātou i ngā kaipupuri kurī haepapa kua whakamahi i taua papa mō ngā tau maha. E tautoko ana au i ngā taiapa kurī, ngā puna wai, ngā ipu para, me te whakakaha i te ture. Mēnā he kaipupuri kurī koe kua rongo i te mamae - ka tū au hei māngai mōu.
Why I want to be elected
I’m here to deliver what matters: fully fenced dog parks across Puketāpapa, CCTV and safety upgrades needed due to upcoming Kāinga Ora developments, support local businesses with smarter council-backed advertising, and ensure spending is frugal, transparent, and focused on real community needs—not vanity projects. Let’s fix what matters.
My key skills and qualities
I bring real public, private, and charity sector executive experience across marketing, governance, and community engagement. I've served on multiple boards including Neighbourhood Support, NZ China Society, Koru Maru, etc and directed campaigns for housing, safety, and business growth. I’ve fostered 70+ dogs in 4 years. I’ve managed a marketing agency and built digital platforms with thousands of members, built youth employment networks, and worked directly with local businesses in Puketāpapa.
My top three key issues
Fully fenced dog parks: C&R hates dogs - but they’re a big part of our community. I’ve advocated for this for 4 years but nothing has happened. in that time I rescued 70+ life-chained dogs… responsible dog owners need your support. Local Businesses are struggling. I’ll create smart, council-led tools to help them advertise and grow. PBV (business association) does nothing. We must cut vanity projects and ensure ratepayer money delivers practical, local results, not photo ops.
My position on key topics
Transport
I support efficient roads and safe crossings near schools. I cycled to school daily without needing painted lanes / concrete dividers. Cycle lanes shouldn’t be forced where they disrupt traffic, remove parking, or hurt local businesses. Let’s just fix potholes, keep cars moving, and reduce the overspending. The RLTP allocates $900m with a strong push for protected cycleways; ridiculous! Council ought to treat your money as their own.
Water
Flooding mitigation isn’t optional. Wesley and Mt Roskill were hit hard, and key tracks and parks were closed for months. I’ll push for smarter stormwater upgrades, not overpriced gravel paths that flood again (manukau domain!) We need frugal, climate-ready, yet quality infrastructure done without cowboy contractors that protects homes, parks, and public spaces. Whilst we are upgrading parks - let’s fence them - so dog owners can enjoy them too!
Built environment
30,000+ Kāinga Ora homes are coming. Puketāpapa’s facing rising crime already. As exec for Neighbourhood Support, I’ve mapped local break-ins and car thefts (it’s getting worse) we need more security; more action. I’ll push for CCTV expansion, improved lighting, and secure walkways. Businesses & residents bear the brunt of growth without support. It’s time we fund unique, meaningful events that strengthen neighbourly connections - not just another copy-paste ‘family fun day’ in the park
Natural environment
Puketāpapa’s tracks and parks were hit hard by slips and flooding. Council wasted money on gravel paths that now flood again. I’ll push for climate-ready upgrades—permeable surfaces, native planting, proper drainage. We must protect our volcanoes, restore biodiversity, and ensure our district gets its fair share of Auckland’s $1B environment spend. Real action, not token projects.
Community
I’ll build strong, connected communities through inclusive upgrades like fenced dog parks, safer playgrounds, and local-led cultural events. I’ve founded Auckland’s largest youth job group and served on boards for ethnic and senior wellbeing. I’ll partner with schools to teach safe dog interactions—building trust, reducing risk, and empowering youth. I’ll support youth-business events, and create spaces for intergenerational skills-sharing.
Economic and cultural development
Puketāpapa deserves more than our lacklustre business association. I bring 10+ years of marketing expertise to drive local businesses to connect with residents through fresh, council-led events, food trails, and festivals that reflect our diverse communities. Our board can be the beating heart of cultural celebration and economic growth. It’s time to activate our streets and brand this district as a hub ready for investment. Let’s build something the whole city wants to visit.
Well-managed local government and outcomes for Māori
You wouldn’t know by looking at me, but I’m Ngāpuhi and Ngāti Porou, and I’ve worked directly with whānau struggling in substandard damp housing; helping them access healthier lives through practical, free assessments. As a marketer, I’ve also helped multiple Māori businesses grow through tailored strategy and support. I’ll keep backing smart, real-world solutions that uplift communities across Puketāpapa.
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.