Ngā kaitono poari ā-rohe 2025Local board candidates 2025

Waiheke Local Board

Candidate statement

Waiheke has been wonderful to us as a family, allowing genuine connections with people and to the environment that we value greatly. As a keen yachtsman, I'm fortunate to have grown up exploring and learning from the Hauraki Gulf. Today I am active in the marine business and tourism sectors with Waiheke By Sea and Tourism Waiheke. A key role is Steering Group member of the Waiheke Marine Project, which collaborates with mana whenua and our community to protect and regenerate the marine environment. Other roles where I have applied my maritime experience include community and business groups such as the Waiheke Boating Club, the Tourism Business Association (Witi), and the Waiheke Local Board's past Transport Forum. I believe that my contribution to the future health of Waiheke should balance environmental, economic, and cultural perspectives to help residents, their families, mana whenua, visitors, and all creatures to thrive.

Waiheke Local Board

Candidate statement

Kia ora - I'm Xan, and I'm running for Local Board because I love Waiheke, and am committed to champion the needs of its residents and its environment as a Local Board Member. My experience (and passion!) is in building community and community spaces, sustainability of people and the planet, cycling, and the arts. I have created community-building events, lead cycling initiatives, advocated for the environment and created change in city bylaws. I work with organisations focused on disabililty, mental health and aged populations, and am on two performing arts boards - Auckland City of Music and Artworks Community Theatre, in addition to the Waiheke Connect and Cycle Action Waiheke committees. Listening to the community, considering different perspectives and advocating for collective needs - while pushing to protect Waiheke's fragile environment - results in positive outcomes for all. You can find me at the Bowling Club on Wednesday nights!

Waiheke Local Board

Candidate statement

Kia ora koutou, My dream came true in 2016 when Waiheke became home for our whānau, a place I’d admired for its creative spirit and strong community. We’re proud to be part of this motu, where we live and work. I’ve served in community roles: Waiheke Connect (Chairperson), Artworks Theatre (Board), and the Gymnastics Club (Treasurer). I work with Waiheke Winegrowers (Comms/Secretary) and co-run the W3 wāhine network. I bring communication skills, local insight across diverse sectors, and a make-it-happen attitude. I’ll champion transparent decisions grounded in community knowledge and reliable data. Sustainability is my lens, from hauora, housing and transport to water, waste, and shared spaces. I’ll advocate for our tamariki and community groups so they’re supported and heard. I support a locally driven Destination Management Plan and initiatives like Dark Skies Waiheke - showing tourism, environment, and community working together. Tēnā koutou. Te Atiawa is my iwi linkedin.com/in/josierainer

Waiheke Local Board

Candidate statement

I’m a third-generation Waiheke local, born and raised here. I’m standing to protect our moana (the Gulf) and whenua (the land) with hands-on, culturally grounded leadership. I lead restoration mahi (work) including coastline cleanups, kelp replanting, kina culling and native planting, guided by science and mātauranga Māori (Māori knowledge). I support wānanga (community learning), small-scale rāhui (protective closures) and youth pathways into tech, arts and creative industries, drawing on my years of experience in the digital and game development sectors to create real opportunities. I’ll strengthen partnerships with Piritahi Marae, local sports clubs and cultural groups, and back community-led projects that preserve Waiheke’s unique identity. I’m committed to representing those too often unheard. Renters, rangatahi (young people) and working whānau (families). And to restoring trust in local democracy through transparency, aroha (care) and action. Let’s protect this taonga (treasure). Now and for future generations.

Waiheke Local Board

Candidate statement

Some of you will know me personally, small entrepreneur, caring, loving, bantering at the Kennedy Point Ferry Terminal while providing amazing coffees. This is my second time standing and I remain optimistic as I have practical ideas, want to be pro-active and work with other board members. Waiheke is home to all of us and makes beautiful colours. I want to bring a fresh approach, new blood as there is always joy in giving. I have always been a transmitor and want to represent all, Business, Tourism, Men, Women, Children, pensioners, parents. We can get it right for all. Transport. Roading. Amenities. My daughter Juliette Lequeux represents NZ on the Rowing world stage, I would love to represent you on the local Board.

Waiheke Local Board

Independent

Candidate statement

The Land, The Sea, The People, Te Whenua, Te Moana, Ngā Tangata. Living and working on Waiheke, I’ve spent the past two terms building relationships, listening, and problem-solving for our community. Currently as Deputy Chair, I bring a strong work ethic, initiative, and a commitment to serve. I’ve upskilled in emergency management, helped form Surfdale Residents Association, supported Electrify Waiheke’s low-emissions future, and participated in the Waiheke Marine Project. Understanding the challenges we face: housing crisis, rising cost of living, and pressures on Hauraki Gulf biodiversity. I’m focused on sustainable, conscious living, preserving our island’s unique character through thoughtful district planning and RMA reform, protecting our night skies. Community is at the heart of everything, advocating for integrated health hubs or helping people access services. Support youth leadership, affordable housing, and protecting the ecological and cultural values that set Waiheke apart. I’m here to listen, learn, and act.

Waiheke Local Board

Candidate statement

I am committed to supporting community organizations and especially sporting and recreation clubs, I believe these organizations are core support networks for current, future and past Waiheke residents. Ensuring these clubs have the appropriate infrastructure and representation will not only support current generations but solidify opportunities for future generations. Having come from an engineering/ technician background I have decades of experience in understanding different forms of data information. Processing this data to understand the problem and formulating an outcome that is best for the submitter of the data. I endeavor to use this skillset to understand the community's problems and concerns to make the best educated decision for a positive outcome that benefits the current demographic but also aligns with the future generations too.

Waiheke Local Board

Candidate statement

Hi, I’m Todd Parkin, 61 years young running as an independent. I’ve had a place on Waiheke 20 years, lived here five years. My partner & I have two small businesses on the Island. My academic qualifications are NZCE and BBS Mgmt. I’ve previously held senior management rolls in small and large New Zealand companies. I know my qualifications and work experience will assist me in being an effective Waiheke Local Board Member. To be a good listener, co-ordinator, fighter. Taking responsibility for my actions and learning from my inevitable mistakes. While the Waiheke Local Board is under the Auckland City Council, Waiheke is a unique strong-minded community. Living on an island is different. But it’s needs and desires are not gold plated, a community swimming pool, core services first before 'nice to haves', reliable and competitive ferry services, rate’s growth at or below inflation, are just some of these.

Waiheke Local Board

Candidate statement

I’m seeking re-election to the Waiheke Local Board as an independent candidate committed to equity, environmental protection, and community wellbeing. Raised on Waiheke, I bring lived experience and a strong track record of action on the issues that matter: housing, fairer ferry fares, reliable transport, and resilient infrastructure. I believe local government must work for all of us - workers, renters, families, and elders. As Waiheke’s representative on the Hauraki Gulf Forum, I’ve advocated for the protection and regeneration of Tikapa Moana, including a ban on bottom trawling. I’ve defended public services, supported climate action, and helped strengthen emergency preparedness. I’m committed to upholding Te Tiriti o Waitangi, investing in youth spaces, and ensuring local decisions reflect our shared values. I will continue to be a principled, independent voice for a fair, sustainable, and thriving Waiheke.

Waiheke Local Board

Candidate statement

My background is as a Civil Engineer specialising in roads, traffic, and associated resource consenting with experience in planning hearings and the Environment Court. I now mainly work part time stoat trapping on Waiheke, plus occasional traffic reporting and landscaping/planting. I am a walker, runner, cyclist and driver, play golf and am involved in several resident groups restoring the vegetation in reserves. I've served on a School Board of Trustees and held various positions on club committees, and work well with many people. If elected I would be particularly keen to take on portfolios relating to transportation, resource consenting and environmental protection an enhancement. The forthcoming District Plan review will relate to many of these areas as well as housing provision. The Local Board needs to combat Auckland Council's and Auckland Transport's one size fits all approach, and to enable the amazing talent and energy our community possesses.

Waiheke Local Board

Candidate statement

I'm standing for the Waiheke Local Board because I believe our island's unique character and strong community spirit need dedicated protection and proactive leadership. Having been deeply involved in our community for years, from my role as a volunteer Community Coordinator for the Waiheke Ostend Market to serving as the General Manager of the Waiheke Community Housing Trust, I've seen firsthand the challenges we face and the strengths of our community. My core motivation is to ensure Waiheke remains a vibrant, affordable home for its long-term residents, balancing growth with the preservation of what makes our island special. I will be a competent, independent and balanced member of the Waiheke Local Board.

Waiheke Local Board

Candidate statement

Waiheke is a special place. Home to generous, diverse and creative communities committed to the responsibility to care for our environment. I have grown up, raised my family and now make a living here in the building industry. I'm passionate about Waiheke! and I will continue to be an outspoken voice, to champion the right of our diverse community to have a say on those things which matter to them. The next 3 years are important. A new planning framework is being developed for Waiheke and I want to ensure that it evolves as respectful democratic process which preserves our parkland and embraces our communities' values and aspirations, not those of the city power elite. We can't change the world but we can ensure that Waiheke continues to be a haven and beacon of hope to others. For a voice like yours on the board Vote Paul Warden