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
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.
Why I want to be elected
Our communities in Upper Harbour are great, but unfortunately, often incredibly disconnected and under-supported. I’m dedicated to planning for the future, building a resilient economy, championing reliable transport solutions, and ultimately a safe, well-connected and well-resourced region. Working for local groups, cultures, and communities is key to me. I will advocate for all community groups, especially young people. I’m a fresh perspective. I'm ready to listen. I’m eager to serve you.
My key skills and qualities
My extensive experience in and chairing community groups means that I care about the community deeply. I know where the community feels strained, and I understand how to best tackle these issues. I have a background in economics, law, and public work. Finally, I have time. As a student, I have time to spend in the community. I’m able to go, meet communities where they’re at and listen to their issues, then spend time consulting and finding the most effective and efficient solution.
My top three key issues
Community and Safety: People should feel secure in their neighbourhoods. The best way to achieve this is to know our neighbours are looking out for us; we need to build strong relationships. Transport and Roads: Everyone relies on transport, yet our roads are not working as they should. We must invest to ensure they function efficiently. Long-Term Planning: With rapid growth, we need a 100-year vision to sustain communities. Doing so by supporting businesses and building strong facilities.
My position on key topics
Transport
Our public transport and roads must serve communities better. 1. Public transport must be reliable and accessible. I will advocate for lower fares, timely buses, and quicker development of transport hubs and stops. 2. Roads must be safe and efficient. I support fast responses to issues like potholes or a need for lights. I am for long-term planning, especially in growing neighbourhoods. 3. More and safer walkways and cycleways should be actioned. We should be able to get around without a car.
Water
Our water systems should be adequate for our neighbourhoods. 1. Strengthening resilience to flooding. Upgrading infrastructure to ensure we are well protected in case of extreme weather. 2. Build wastewater, stormwater, and drinking water infrastructure that stands for generations. 3. Working with the central government and other stakeholders to improve and implement consistent and reliable local water systems.
Built environment
We must plan long-term to ensure our neighbourhoods continue to be great places to live. 1. Urbanisation is inevitable and should be welcomed. We need to plan with a view of how regions will develop in the next 100 years. 2. We must sustain our growing neighbourhoods. With housing growth, we need to invest in infrastructure to support our communities long-term. 3. I support regenerative efforts. Mana whenua should be respected. Heritage protection must be weighed on a case-by-case basis.
Natural environment
Enhancing and protecting the environment is important to me. UH is currently at 28% tree cover, let’s get to 30% by: 1. Implementing more community activators, encouraging the creation of more environmental groups and supporting more volunteers in existing groups. 2. Increase facilities that encourage communities to enjoy the outdoors. When people enjoy nature, they feel a need to protect it. 3. Plan and invest long-term. Build our neighbourhoods to facilitate the ongoing growth of nature.
Community
Well-connected communities are safe communities. 1. We must provide our communities with close facilities. Parks, sports facilities, libraries and community centres boost the community's wellbeing. 2. Invest in community-led organisations, arts, sports, and culture. Give the community opportunities to meet and build genuine interest and relationships. Community makes a neighbourhood feel like home. 3. Preparing our communities for emergencies. Ensuring they know where they can get help.
Economic and cultural development
We need to support both economic and cultural growth. 1. Supporting the establishment and continued growth of local businesses. Backing entrepreneurship. 2. Investing our rates wisely into the community, whether it be in infrastructure, community development, or planning for emergencies. 3. Invest in community-led arts, sports, and cultural events. Encourage cultural development, whilst attracting spending in the region. 4. Increase accessibility to local businesses and cultural experiences.
Well-managed local government and outcomes for Māori
Being proactive and decisive in decisions that affect our future. 1. Saving and supporting the Auckland Future Fund. Ensuring our neighbourhoods are well-resourced for anything that happens. 2. Investing and putting importance on delivering Māori outcomes. Following through with promises and continuous consultation with tangata whenua. 3. Implementing processes to respond and recover quickly from storms. Including initial responses and future property buy-outs.
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.