Disclaimer
The information on this page has been provided by the candidates. It does not reflect the views or positions of Auckland Council.
Selena WONG
Candidate for 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.
Why I want to be elected
Having grown up in West Harbour, I have witnessed first-hand the incredible diversity and growth of our community, as well as the voices that often go unheard. This community has raised me, and I want to give back by creating more opportunities for young people to engage, foster intergenerational connections, and support local organisations that connect our neighbourhoods. I will advocate for safer streets, reliable transport, and develop community spaces in emerging areas.
My key skills and qualities
A vote for me is a vote for a servant-like leader. A leader who cares, listens, and is innovative. As a coordinator at North Shore Neighbourhood Support, I bring hands-on grassroots experience working directly with local organisations and four local boards, which gives me unique insight into the successes and learnings of the wider North Shore. Ultimately, my experience across diverse communities allows me to bring an intersectional and outcome-focused approach.
My top three key issues
1. Ensure local board communication is clear, accessible, and linguistically inclusive, giving youth and diverse communities a real voice in shaping initiatives. 2. Support sustainable community spaces like skate parks, sports fields, and playgrounds that welcome young adults, ethnic communities, and future generations, providing versatile areas to play, stay, and connect. 3. Resource and fund local resilience groups to educate and strengthen emergency preparedness in our community.
My position on key topics
Transport
As a new university graduate who relies on public transport, I am committed to improving safety at bus stops and poorly lit streets through better lighting and visibility, helping everyone feel secure and encouraging greater use of public transport. New roads will accommodate cars, cyclists, and pedestrians to prevent congestion and support active travel. I will also push for the timely completion of Rosedale Bus Station, making it fully accessible and meeting the needs of our community.
Water
Advocate to developers and the Council to address polluted streams and harbours resulting from development. Continue supporting key Upper Harbour projects, including the Industry Pollution Prevention Programme, Construction Waste Education and Leadership, and Waiarohia Stream restoration. Invest in local organisations, reduce sediment runoff, strengthen stormwater controls, and prioritise vulnerable low-lying areas such as Herald Island, Unsworth Heights, and Greenhithe to safeguard our streams
Built environment
Deliver new developments with essential infrastructure, abundant green spaces, and accessible healthcare and community facilities to match our growing population. Activate bus connections and support developmental plans across Upper Harbour, including projects like Te Kori Scott Point, to create vibrant, sustainable, and inclusive spaces for all ages. Champion affordable, accessible housing and engage the community to ensure every development meets the needs of families, youth, and seniors.
Natural environment
My priorities are to strengthen our communities by preparing and educating residents, especially youth and ethnic communities, for emergencies and extreme weather. When we are connected and ready, we bounce back faster and support one another. Back local schools, businesses, and volunteers in restoring streams through clean-ups, pollution reduction, and native planting. Healthy waterways and green spaces keep our neighbourhoods vibrant, our environment strong, and our wildlife thriving.
Community
Push for quality facilities for play, sport, and active recreation, and upgrade community hubs and the Albany Village Library to meet the needs of a growing population. Empower young people through the Upper Harbour Youth Council and local organisations, promoting safety, wellbeing, and confident civic participation. Co-design initiatives with the Upper Harbour Ethnic Advisory Circle to ensure diverse communities are celebrated and represented.
Economic and cultural development
Support the growth of local businesses and community groups, as they create jobs and opportunities for our community. Back young entrepreneurs, small businesses, and ethnic enterprises with funding and resources to prepare our economy for the future. Celebrate Upper Harbour’s unique heritage and modern communities by protecting historical sites and actively sharing arts, traditions, food, and events in public spaces, helping everyone learn, connect, and give light to cultural groups.
Well-managed local government and outcomes for Māori
Partner directly with iwi, hapū, and marae to co-design initiatives that reflect their aspirations and needs. Activate these initiatives through a mātauranga Māori lens, using culturally sensitive processes to guide storm recovery and environmental management. Champion locally led projects that strengthen Māori economic, social, and cultural wellbeing, and support programmes that teach te reo Māori, build cultural knowledge, and celebrate heritage through events.
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.