Disclaimer
The information on this page has been provided by the candidates. It does not reflect the views or positions of Auckland Council.
Eric Rangi HILLMAN
Candidate for 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.
Why I want to be elected
I want Waiheke’s voices heard and our environment protected. I’ve restored a wetland, culled 60k+ kina, planted natives, and removed tonnes of weeds and plastics, all voluntarily. If elected, I’ll enhance pest control, marine restoration, youth pathways in tech and conservation, and fight for local independence. I also aim to showcase Waiheke’s ingenuity and DIY spirit to the world, proving our small island leads with creativity and care.
My key skills and qualities
I bring deep generational roots and strong connections across Waiheke — from rangatahi (youth) to kaumātua (elders), sports clubs, and the marae. Guided by past board mentors, I bridge voices with transparency and collaboration. As a game developer and innovator, I create pathways linking tech, culture, and conservation. My strength is listening, uniting, and acting for Waiheke’s future.
My top three key issues
My top three priorities are protecting Waiheke’s environment, building real youth pathways, and restoring a strong local voice. I grew up seeing how rich our sea life and geckos once were, and I know we can achieve that again. Having put Waiheke on the national stage through music without funding, I understand how small support can transform youth futures. With family ties to Gulf News and deep community roots, I’m committed to amplifying Waiheke’s voice past, present, and future.
My position on key topics
Transport
Road safety matters — I’ve cleared drains myself and know potholes and flooding are a real issue. I’ll push for better road maintenance and safer cycling connections. I also want to see coastal walking tracks upgraded for locals and visitors, keeping Waiheke accessible while protecting the environment. Our bus service must find the right balance between tourist demand and local needs, ensuring fair, reliable, and sustainable transport for all.
Water
We’ve got to get smart about water. On Waiheke that means more rain tanks, greywater use, fixing leaks, and keeping aquifers healthy. I’ve cleared drains myself and restored wetlands — hands-on mahi works. We’ve always known how to cut back, from shorter showers to careful use of baths. To clean things up, restore streams, plant banks, and stop pollution at the source. Fix dodgy septic tanks, upgrade systems, and do it all with mana whenua, sharing clear data with the community.
Built environment
Auckland’s urban growth has to fit each place, and Waiheke’s character must not be lost. I support affordable housing for locals, but it must respect our environment and heritage. Big city sprawl doesn’t belong here — we need sustainable infrastructure that works with our whenua. It’s a tricky space, and I don’t pretend to have all the answers, but I’ll do my best to help, working with the board and community to protect what makes Waiheke unique while ensuring locals can thrive.
Natural environment
Protecting nature takes hands-on mahi (work) and smart tools. Alongside conservation work like wetland restoration and rubbish cleanups, I’m developing apps and games that gamify kaitiakitanga (guardianship of the environment). These connect rangatahi (youth) with real conservation action, blending digital learning with outdoor mahi (work). It’s about inspiring the next generation to care for our whenua (land) and moana (ocean) while building climate resilience.
Community
I’ll use my strong social media reach (15k+ followers, 1.25M+ views last year) to showcase local initiatives, highlight community groups, and promote locals and local services and facilities. By shining a light on what’s already happening, and inviting people in, we can strengthen connections. I’ll also involve the community in beach cleanups, kina culling, weed eradication and digital projects that turn kaitiakitanga (guardianship of the environment) into shared action and pride.
Economic and cultural development
I see growth through creativity, culture, and care for our environment — all connected. By building games and digital tools grounded in kaitiakitanga (guardianship), we can open tech pathways for youth while archiving Māori and Kiwi/Waiheke culture. Restoring kelp forests and biodiversity strengthens eco-tourism potential, while supporting sustainable local business. Showcasing our heritage and environment boosts both pride and economy.
Well-managed local government and outcomes for Māori
For Māori outcomes, I support iwi-led decision-making and partnerships that honour mana whenua (people of the land) as kaitiaki (guardians), while also embracing ngā hau e whā (the four winds, all communities). My mahi (work) in conservation shows the power of hands-on restoration. With the Port, I’d push for clean, future-focused use. The Future Fund must invest sustainably, and storm recovery should blend resilient infrastructure with community care of whenua (land) and awa (rivers).
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.