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
I was born, raised, and continue to live in Puketāpapa. Growing up in this community I have witnessed first-hand the impact of living in a strong, kind, and supportive community. I'm standing because I want young people in our community to have a voice on the Local Board. I want to give back to the community that raised me and ensure that local decisions have the input of diverse communities. As the Outreach Coordinator, for the Mt Roskill Community Association and in leading Generation Zero Auckland I have experience in governance. I volunteer with environmental groups and work with young people to raise awarness for local politics. I believe Puketāpapa is the greatest local board area in Tāmaki Makaurau, and a vote for me and the City Vision candidates is a vote for safer streets, better parks, and informed, principled decision making.
Why I want to be elected
Having spent my whole life in Puketāpapa I’ve witnessed the effect a healthy, strong, and kind community can have. I consider myself lucky to have grown up here, my childhood - the teachers, businesses, workers, and neighbours, reflect a beautiful and vibrant community. I’d now like the opportunity to give back to the community that gave so much to me. I see growing issues in the city and Puketāpapa. My hope in seeking election is to do what I can in helping our slice of heaven thrive.
My key skills and qualities
I’ve held roles in both governance and advocacy - particularly in the Environmental and Transport sectors. My most relevant portfolio was in leading Generation Zero Auckland. During my term in office we worked with Government Agencies, Parliament, and Auckland Council on a number of projects alongside reform in the organisation itself. This experience grounds me with the connections, governance experience, and institutional knowledge to be an effective Local Board member.
My top three key issues
Climate Adaptation, Transport, and Community. As severe weather events continue to increase both in severity and frequency - preparing our communities and helping coordinate the response sits top of mind. On Transport, making sure our roads are safe, accessible, and that we have options in how we get around. On Community, a key focus will be energising and educating young people on the functions of Local Government - and empowering them with a voice on the board is incredibly important to me.
My position on key topics
Transport
Improving public transport options and safety sit at the top of my transport priorities. Frequent, reliable, and well-connected public transport translates to an increase in users. More people on public transport translates to less people on the road, decreasing congestion and reducing emissions. Transport safety means advocacy for a safe transport environment. From reducing speeds around schools for our kids, to making sure our roads are safe for pedestrians, bikers, drivers, and every user.
Water
The Central Interceptor, New Zealand’s largest wastewater infrastructure project, will be a crucial and significant step in addressing our growing wastewater needs. My primary area of focus is on effectively addressing stormwater, particularly in preparation for significant weather events. Following the 2023 Anniversary Floods, we should redouble our efforts in studying and addressing stormwater and runoff, ‘sponge grounds’, daylighting, and drainage infrastructure all play a crucial role.
Built environment
As a young person the issues around housing are clear. Our housing crisis means the next generation are going to have it incredibly tough when looking for warm, dry homes to call their own. As we build and develop to combat the housing crisis, it’s essential we invest properly in the environment around our houses. We need to make sure our infrastructure is capable of supporting the increase in homes and developments. It’s also important to me that we consider and protect our heritage areas.
Natural environment
The Puketāpapa Local Board area covers a vast and diverse landscape that includes coastlines, mountains, rivers, and fields. The Local Board is directly responsible for the management and protection of these areas. Ensuring our natural environment is protected and advocacy for greater biodiversity will lay at the heart of my focus on the Board. Making sure we help resource, guide, and fund environmental community groups is another critical feature in caring for our natural environment.
Community
In representing young people I hope to bring a fresh perspective to the Local Board, representing the interests of a community with the highest stake in our decision-making, as it is our youngest that live with the effects of these decisions the longest. Alongside this, our Local Board should be putting considerable energy into making sure our local services and facilities are well maintained and functional. A healthy, clean, well-resourced environment fosters stronger communities.
Economic and cultural development
There are a number of options available to a Local Board in advancing economic and cultural development. Puketāpapa is the most culturally diverse area in the country. Our Local Board should continue funding groups and events that educate on and display our cultural backgrounds. We should also look at how we can help support businesses in Puketāpapa. Ensuring public transport is connected to businesses, and that the areas around our businesses are safe and pleasing can boost our local economy.
Well-managed local government and outcomes for Māori
Local Government, fundamentally, about decisions. We need representatives on the Local Board that engage with communities, seek advice, work openly, and ultimately respects the will of the constituents we ask for the pleasure of representing.
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.