Ngā kaitono poari ā-rohe 2025Local board candidates 2025

Rodney Local Board (Kumeū Subdivision)

Candidate statement

I am a long-term resident of Rodney, first in Waimauku and more recently in Muriwai. In my three terms serving on the Rodney Local Board, I have represented the Kumeu Subdivision and was Board Chair in this last term. I am standing to provide added continuity and institutional knowledge, in what will most likely be a predominantly new board. My daughters went to Waimauku Primary and to Kaipara College where I served on the Board of Trustees. I have two grandchildren. I am an advocate for Public Transport and for a Halt to further Urban Sprawl that adds to the existing long-term lack of infrastructure provision, such as roading capacity, mass transport, and horizontal services like water and wastewater. After three terms, I now have a good understanding of how Council functions and have the communication and personal skills to share this experience with the new Board.

Rodney Local Board (Kumeū Subdivision)

Independent

Candidate statement

Kia Ora, I'm Gemma Donaldson. I live and work in the Northwest and want to see real, lasting improvements for our community. From daily gridlock on SH16 to storm damage and unchecked development, Kumeū deserves better infrastructure, smarter planning, strong leadership and tangible results. Leading regional charity South Kaipara Good Food, I’ve built trusted partnerships locally and nationally, delivering practical results with schools, agencies, community, businesses and government. Our unique identity matters, as does safe access to schools, green spaces, and rates spent wisely - not wasted on ineffective or unnecessary projects. We need development that protects what makes our area special and supports families for the future. I’m a committed local who listens, leads with integrity, and believes Kumeū deserves a clear, strong voice at the table.

Rodney Local Board (Kumeū Subdivision)

Independent

Candidate statement

I'm a father, husband, small business owner, and long-time Waimauku local. Like many of you, I'm frustrated that our infrastructure is falling behind, progress is too slow, and our rates aren't being used responsibly. I care deeply about our community's future starting with fighting to get the local high school our families have needed for years. I'm standing to deliver results for Rodney: safer rural roads, smarter spending, and strong local representation that actually listens. After years of working in transport and running my own business, I understand the day to day pressures ratepayers and families face. I've built my life here and I'm committed to protecting and improving it. Rodney can't afford more delays, broken promises, and political distractions. It needs leadership grounded in practical experience and local values. I'll bring a reliable, independent voice to the table, and always put our community first. Let's get it done.

Rodney Local Board (Kumeū Subdivision)

Candidate statement

I’m Zach Stark. A father to two young kids and the owner of a local digital communications business. I’m putting my hand up for the Local Board because I want to play my small part in making things better. Having lived in flood-affected areas like Hawke's Bay, I know how vital flood resilience and practical infrastructure are for rural communities like ours. I’m also passionate about sharing local stories and perspectives because I believe that when we listen to each other, we make smarter, more grounded decisions. This area is a special place and I have loved visiting over the years; seeing the progress that has been made. Now we live out here, I’d be honoured to help represent our home with honesty, energy, and a commitment to listening, learning, and acting on residents voices as we work side-by-side with council for a better Rodney.

Rodney Local Board (Kumeū Subdivision)

Candidate statement

My name is Katie, a dedicated Kumeu resident passionate about strengthening our community. Having experienced the devastating floods firsthand, I understand the urgency of effective action. I'm disappointed by Auckland Council's slow progress in clearing the river and unblocking waterways, which continues to leave us vulnerable. As your local board member, I'll prioritize swift, practical solutions to prevent unnecassary flooding, ensuring our infrastructure is resilient and our families are safe. With a background in consenting and construction I already have an understanding of the challenges working with bureaucrats. I bring a collaborative, result-driven approach. I'm committed to transparent communication, sustainable development, and amplifying Kumeu's voice in decision-making. I'll advocate for improved local services, safer roads, and vibrant public spaces where our community can thrive. Vote for me to drive real change, protect our environment, and build a stronger, more connected Kumeu for all residents. Together, we can make a difference.

Rodney Local Board (Kumeū Subdivision)

Candidate statement

I am deeply involved in a wide range of community service organisations in the northwest area, including Huapai-Kumeū Lions, Kumeū Emergency Network, Flood Alerts, Kumeū Arts concerts, the Showgrounds and Kumeū Community Action. Our much loved family home in Kumeū was flooded repeatedly, resulting in our move to Helensville in 2025. I have been on the Rodney Local Board for the last 3 years and would like the opportunity to continue the positive change we have seen. An extra $8 million has been sourced to improve our parks, reserves and halls and support our community and environmental programs that were severely under-funded until now. The issues that concern you are the ones I will be working hardest on. We need, less extreme traffic congestion, a passenger train service, serious planning that deals with flooding, more waterways maintenance, to stop developers building on flood plains and to build infrastructure before houses.