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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.
Abann YOR
Candidate for Puketāpapa Local Board
Independent
Candidate statement
I am Dr Abann Yor, the CEO of the Aotearoa Resettled Community Coalition. As a practitioner, community advocate, and educator, I work in community development and social practice. With a background in organisational management and leadership, I develop initiatives that empower ethnic communities to engage, collaborate, and thrive. I am excited to join the Puketāpapa Local Board as a candidate in the 2025 Auckland local election. With over two decades of grassroots experience, I bring strong, leadership, and strategic planning skills. My focus areas - housing, environment, transportation, local businesses, youth, and senior wellbeing - are grounded in a community-led approach that values inclusivity and practical solutions. I am committed to addressing the challenges Puketāpapa faces and to contributing to the board’s collective efforts to meet diverse needs of our community. I would be honoured to bring my voice and experience to the table in service of our shared future.
Why I want to be elected
If elected, I will seize this opportunity to bring my lived experience and gain new insights into how local government operates, including the implementation of Auckland Council policies and strategies while balancing residents' expectations on issues that matter the most. I am committed to working alongside local government officials on shared priorities over the next three years. I bring two decades of experience and grassroots into the most diverse and inclusive regional communities.
My key skills and qualities
In my current role, I serve as the CEO of the Aotearoa Resettled Community Coalition (ARCC), where I oversee day-to-day operations. I am a practitioner, community advocate, and educator with over two decades of experience in community development and social practice. My background in organisational management and leadership, along with strategic thinking and innovative initiatives, empowers inclusive communities to engage, collaborate, and thrive. I am excited to join the Puketāpapa Local Board.
My top three key issues
My top three key issues include addressing housing affordability, empowering local business growth, supporting youth development and enhancing senior wellbeing. I am passionate about strengthening safety services within the Puketāpapa Local Board and finding equitable solutions through consultation with residents. I am committed to empowering the well-being of youth and seniors by responding to their priorities and creating local projects, programmes, and events that meet their specific needs.
My position on key topics
Transport
Regarding my priorities for transport, it is essential to acknowledge the Regional Land Transport Plan (RLTP), a 10-year investment proposal for Auckland's transport network, which the Auckland Transport Board has approved. I support the progress made through the RLTP. If elected, I will seize the opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of how I can add value to its delivery over the next three years—for example, enhancing the Auckland public transport bus network and reducing traffic conge.
Water
I believe that managing Auckland's water requires an integrated and multifaceted approach, combining infrastructure investment with conservation strategies, sustainable water sourcing, and effective stormwater and wastewater management to meet population growth and mitigate the impacts of climate change. My priorities include diversifying water supply sources, promoting efficient water use, and exploring innovative solutions to ensure resilience. I also support natural stormwater management.
Built environment
I am aware that the Auckland Council has a plan for the built environment, which encompasses not only buildings and infrastructure but also the urban spaces that shape how we live, work, and connect as a community. The built environment plays a crucial role in shaping our health, well-being, and social interactions – for example, by promoting physical activity, mental health, cleaner air and water, and fostering stronger community connections. I fully support the Auckland Council’s recognition.
Natural environment
It is essential to take care of our natural environment as part of our shared responsibility as humans. The environment supports a diverse range of living and non-living things—plants, animals, air, water, and land—all of which are impacted by human activities. When we take care of our natural environment, it, in turn, takes care of us by providing clean air and water, regulating the climate, and supporting biodiversity. Unlike the built environment, which refers to human-made surroundings...
Community
My plan for building strong and connected communities begins with reviewing the Auckland Council’s existing strategic approach to community engagement. By identifying gaps and consulting with the local board and residents, we can engage in meaningful conversations that uncover community concerns and develop practical solutions. Improving local services requires active listening and ensuring that communities are given the necessary resources and opportunities to participate fully in the decision.
Economic and cultural development
I aim to deepen my understanding of how the Auckland Council's economy functions and how it shapes the decisions made by individuals, businesses, and society as a whole. Managing our current economic situation requires a balanced approach that strengthens resources, human capability, and financial sustainability through effective production, distribution, and consumption of goods and services within the Auckland region. Alongside this, I strongly support Māori economic development...
Well-managed local government and outcomes for Māori
My approach to assessing how well local governance delivers outcomes for Māori populations in Auckland involves evaluating the effectiveness of Te Tiriti o Waitangi-based partnerships, the quality of Māori engagement and consultation processes, and the actual positive impacts on Māori wellbeing and community aspirations. I am committed to learning from Auckland Council's existing evidence on specific initiatives, reviewing formal reports and policies, and consulting directly with Iwi, Hapū...
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.