Ngā kaitono poari ā-rohe 2025Local board candidates 2025

Upper Harbour Local Board

Living Upper Harbour

Candidate statement

Upper Harbour is a fantastic place to live and I’m proud to call Paremoremo home. I have served two terms on the Upper Harbour Local Board and it’s been a privilege to represent our community and help deliver meaningful projects. I’m a hardworking, independent voice and part of the Living Upper Harbour team. I believe in strong local advocacy, great facilities, protecting and enhancing our environment, listening, and making sensible decisions on public spending. Our growing communities need investment. We deserve our fair share of rates returned and smart planning for the future. I work hard to make that happen. As a Chartered Accountant, I bring financial expertise and business experience to local governance. I also volunteer with local sports clubs and environmental groups, and I enjoy sailing, cycling, and exploring our parks with my family and dog. A vote for me is a vote for practical, proven, community-focused leadership.

Upper Harbour Local Board

Independent

Candidate statement

Committed, effective and experienced advocate for Upper Harbour, relentlessly focused on your priorities and delivering these for you. Local resident, Justice of Peace, MSc.App.Psychology, current Deputy Chairperson and your representative on Council for nine years, I will continue to work hard to advocate for safer communities, safer intersections, footpaths, accessible travel on PT, an efficient transport network, more open green space, upgraded tracks, skate parks, basketball courts, community facilities for youth, families and seniors, a resilient local economy, protection and enhancement of our natural environment and support for our ecological volunteers. I championed installation of water fountains and shade-sails in parks, streetlights on Herald Island Causeway, bus stops/shelters in Whenuapai and fought to save North Harbour Stadium. I continue to advocate for affordable rates, Westpark Marina, acquisition of Bomb Point, Wasp Hangar, and Albany Library. I am asking for your support this election to continue to serve you. Text/call: 0211046287

Upper Harbour Local Board

Independent

Candidate statement

As an independent representative of our community it has allowed me to address community concerns and positive outcomes without having a pre determined position. It has been a privilege and honour to work for our community over the years and acknowledge the support and collaborative approach I have received whilst addressing the further plans for our area. I look forward to this collaborative approach should I have the honour to serve you again.

Upper Harbour Local Board

Independent

Candidate statement

My name is David Cooke and I have been a resident of Upper Harbour for twelve years. I am standing as an Independent. I believe that the Upper Harbour Local Board should be in greater consultation with Auckland Transport, adapt local policy to climate change and have greater consultation with the community. I recognise the need for improved drainage systems within Upper Harbour as well as deterrence of landslips and reconstruction of affected areas. In addition, I advocate for more community patrols over streets afflicted with crime and anti-social behaviour. There is also a need for better coordination with new bus services. My own background as a teacher has enabled me to understand and communicate with people from a wide variety of backgrounds, enlarged my capacity to solve problems and ensure the proper allocation of resources. I can be a new voice for Upper Harbour.

Upper Harbour Local Board

Living Upper Harbour

Candidate statement

A connected, prepared community is a safe community - this is my vision. As a former Rangitoto College prefect, long-serving chair of the Upper Harbour Youth Council, volunteer, and representative of New Zealand in diplomacy and debating, I’ve proudly served locally and globally. Now, I’m committed to serving Upper Harbour, strengthening our local economy, backing reliable transport, and ensuring our communities are well-resourced, safe, and future-ready. Upper Harbour is growing rapidly. We must plan wisely and invest in infrastructure that supports families now and for generations. That means backing local businesses and groups, celebrating regional diversity, and improving roading and transport - boosting productivity and security. I’m honest, driven, reliable, and prepared to act. As part of the experienced Living Upper Harbour team, I bring a fresh, energetic perspective, a proven track-record, and time to commit to this role. I’m ready to listen, I’m eager to serve you. God bless.

Upper Harbour Local Board

Independent

Candidate statement

The Upper Harbour Local Board needs locals who truly live and serve in our communities. John Loau is proud to call Upper Harbour home and understands the issues we face because they affect him too. He experiences the same traffic, uses the same parks, shops at the same malls, supports the same local businesses as you do. John is a familiar face, whether at local markets, community events, or out volunteering. As a dog owner and active community member, he is connected to the heartbeat of our area. Beyond this, John plays a leading role in the Hobsonville Emergency Response Group, working closely with Whenuapai and West Harbour teams to build a stronger, safer neighbourhoods. With experience in governance, business, and emergency management, John will bring practical leadership and accountability to the Board, ensuring local voices guide local decisions. Trust in Locals to be your vote. Vote for John Loau

Upper Harbour Local Board

Independent

Candidate statement

Former Chairman Albany Community Board, Civil Engineer with Business degree seeking results through innovation, accountability and governance. A history of community service in local Government, NZ Scouting, Chairman Albany CoCo, Chairman FFS, former establishment School Trustee Albany Senior High and currently Hearings Commissioner Auckland Council. Transaction costs within Council must be lowered and innovation is required of both variable and fixed inputs. New projects must be critically tested against 'needs vs wants.' Seeks fairer funding and affordable rates for all, together with a voice for the disadvantaged and vulnerable. Climate change, resource recovery and waste minimisation and Environmental protection are a must. Supports retention of Stadium, Hobsonville Wasp Hangar, Sustainable Paremoremo, new Clubrooms for Greenhithe Soccer and Sea scouts, Scott Point sports field, Whenuapai Structure Plan, Herald island causeway lighting, work of Gavin Gunstan and Connected Community Trust. John supports strong advocacy, affordability and common sense, Police and security.

Upper Harbour Local Board

Candidate statement

I reside in the East Coast Bays area and work in Glenfield and, of all of the North Shore area, it’s the present growth challenges in the Upper Harbour area that interest me most. There’s so much to do even with the looming council rates increases in our headlights. As an independent, I’m behove to no one except the ratepayers of the Upper Harbour area. Better critical decisions and unique solutions at all points in the local government process are needed more than ever to keep costs down and with my decades of experience in business ownership and property management I’m committed to help in the best way that I can. I’d appreciate your support so vote Kent Neville-White for Upper Harbour Local Board.

Upper Harbour Local Board

Living Upper Harbour

Candidate statement

I proudly serve Upper Harbour Local Board, and will continue working hard for our communities. Council needs courageous governance; a 100-year strategic approach to our challenges: proactive planning, future-proof investment, resilient infrastructure, advocacy for diverse communities’ needs, and support for our youth, disability, arts, community, and environmental sector volunteers. I’ve lived all over Upper Harbour. Raised on Hobsonville Air Base and overseas, I live to serve: Finance career (7 years); Auckland Council Project Manager (5 years); Volunteer Scout leader (9+ years); Local Social Entrepreneur delivering employment, energy efficiency, and healthier housing (10+ years). I have professional qualifications and a Business Degree (Natural Resource and Environmental Economics) from Massey University (Albany). Working with Living Upper Harbour and other Local Board Members, I help our communities prepare for emergencies, waste less, plan better, and play more. Let’s have the hard conversations and collaborate to deliver meaningful results for Climate, Community and Council.

Upper Harbour Local Board

Candidate statement

I want your vote to represent Upper Harbour on the Local Board. With my experience as a successful Waitakere City Council representative for Hobsonville, Herald Island, West Harbour, and Whenuapai, I'm committed to keeping rates low while improving our area's liveability and ensuring stronger democratic outcomes. Upper Harbour faces challenges like community engagement, environmental sustainability, transport, infrastructure, and recreational facilities. The Council should introduce subdivisions for better representation and more focused decision-making. My background allows me to work effectively with residents and stakeholders to address these issues and improve the area. I live in Hobsonville Point with my dog and cat, and one of my sons and his family are nearby. As a self-employed health and safety consultant, I'm ready to serve and ensure Upper Harbour's voice is heard. I am asking for your vote. Vote local, vote Riddell, to improve democracy, reduce rates, and fix local issues.

Upper Harbour Local Board

Independent

Candidate statement

I have been a happy resident of the beautiful Upper Harbour Local Board area for over 20 years. After completing my Masters education from Massey University Albany, I have gained valuable experience in Management and Human Resources alongside some hospitality work I did during my student days. I also enjoy playing tennis & squash regularly-though my results don’t always reflect the effort. Upper Harbour needs safer and more reliable public transport and practical parking solutions. Our area is home to more than 200 parks, but more can be done to keep them well maintained, tidy and raise awareness of these wonderful green spaces amongst our residents. While Albany Library offers good facilities, there's a growing need for more mobile and boutique libraries to better serve our expanding and diverse community. This is my debut election, and I sincerely hope my efforts, intentions, and your support make it a good innings.

Upper Harbour Local Board

Independent

Candidate statement

Kia ora, My name is Selena Wong, and I'm standing for the Upper Harbour Local Board, prioritising safety, resilience, and inclusive community development. A proud New Zealand-born Malaysian-Chinese, I grew up in West Harbour, attended Marina View School and Hobsonville Point Secondary School. I work as a coordinator for North Shore Neighbourhood Support, engaging with residents, local organisations, and youth councils daily to bring community voices into action. I actively engage with NZ Police and Fire and Emergency to strengthen community connectedness, emergency preparedness and safety. I'll ensure that Albany Library, Rosedale Bus Station, and the Ethnic Peoples Plan are delivered on time and meet community needs. I'll ensure that developing areas such as Hobsonville Point, Scott Point, and Whenuapai are no longer overlooked in decision-making. I’m here to make politics accessible, inclusive, and effective. Your voice matters. Your safety matters. Your sense of belonging matters. Vote Selena Wong.

Upper Harbour Local Board

Candidate statement

As your current local board member, I’ve had the privilege of supporting projects that benefit our community, including progress on a new library, Observation Green playground, our first Open Arts Studio, increased investment in crime prevention, etc. I volunteer with Harbour Hospice and local organisations, leading programmes that support youth, arts, culture, and promote intergenerational wellbeing. I believe short-sighted and excessive rate increases are unsustainable. I support responsible spending, long-term investment, and diversified income. We need smart planning, fit-for-purpose infrastructure, and climate resilience to meet the needs of a growing Upper Harbour. Strengthening Upper Harbour’s identity will help support local business, attract opportunities, and bring people together. I’m with LivingUpperHarbour, an independent candidate with a practical, community-first approach to local decision-making. As a mother and daughter, I want Upper Harbour to be a place where everyone, regardless of age, background or abilities, feels safe, included, and proud to belong.