Ngā kaitono poari kaitiaki raihana ā-waipiro 2025Licensing trust candidates 2025

Waitākere Licensing Trust (Ward No. 2 - Lincoln)

Trusts Action Group

Candidate statement

As a local public servant and father, I've spent my career solving problems to keep our communities safe. That's why I'm standing with the Trusts Action Group. We want a community where families thrive, which starts by demanding more from our Licensing Trusts. The overdependence on gambling and their monopoly has come at the cost of the welcoming pubs and eateries our community deserves. This outdated approach stifles our local economy and denies our community the funding it deserves. With the Trusts Action Group, our mission is simple: put the community first. We will achieve this by doubling community funding, demanding full transparency, increasing hospitality options, and cutting inefficient bureaucracy by seeking the amalgamation of the two trusts. It's time for better results. I'm asking for your vote to help us build a better West Auckland.

Waitākere Licensing Trust (Ward No. 2 - Lincoln)

Trust Local

Candidate statement

Support Linda Cooper for the Waitakere Licensing Trust because she brings extensive experience, integrity, and a strong commitment to community wellbeing. With a proven track record in local government and public service, Linda understands the importance of responsible alcohol management and community reinvestment. She advocates for transparency, accountability, and ensuring that Trust profits are returned to local initiatives, such as sports clubs, schools, and social services. Linda is deeply connected to the North West and listens to residents' concerns, prioritizing safety and community development. Her leadership style is collaborative, and she's known for making informed, balanced decisions. In an era where trust in governance is vital, Linda offers both experience and genuine care for the people she serves. Her focus on responsible operations and positive community impact makes her a trustworthy and capable choice for the Waitakere Licensing Trust. Trust Local. Vote Linda Cooper

Waitākere Licensing Trust (Ward No. 2 - Lincoln)

Trust Local

Candidate statement

Pharmacist. Awarded QSM for Community Service 2004, JP 25yrs. Warren Flaunty brings decades of proven leadership, integrity, and deep Community commitment to Waitakere Licensing Trust. Warren has consistently championed responsible alcohol management and reinvestment of profits back to the community for 40yrs, supporting schools, sports clubs, health services and so many other local initiatives that matter to you. Warren understands the unique needs of the Lincoln Ward because he has lived and worked there for 55yrs. His experience as a health professional and elected representative ensures he makes informed, balanced decisions that benefit everyone, By voting for Warren you're choosing someone who listens, leads with accountability and works tirelessly for a safer, stronger West Auckland. He stands for transparency, community support, and local ownership of alcohol outlets. Your vote Warren Flaunty is a vote for stability and community values, and positive change in Lincoln Ward. Your trust - your gain.

Waitākere Licensing Trust (Ward No. 2 - Lincoln)

Trust Local

Candidate statement

The Waitākere Licensing Trust needs representatives who understand the community because they are part of it. John Loau is a long-time West Auckland local who has seen firsthand how Trust decisions impact families, schools, sports clubs, and community groups. A former Licensing Trust Board Member, John knows how important it is to protect and reinvest local funding back into the projects and organisations that keep our neighbourhoods strong. John is deeply involved across the region - supporting organisations, churches, schools, & grassroots networks, while connecting businesses through NowBIZ, the network he co-founded to empower local enterprise. He also serves in emergency response, helping keep communities across Hobsonville/Scott Point, Whenuapai, Redhills, Waitākere Township, Taupaki, West Harbour, Royal Heights & surrounding are safe and resilient. With his local knowledge, proven leadership, and hands-on involvement, John will ensure the Trust delivers real benefits for the people it represents. Trust Local. Vote John Loau

Waitākere Licensing Trust (Ward No. 2 - Lincoln)

Trusts Action Group

Candidate statement

Our family of 4 loves living in this great place. The kids go to school here and my wife and I commute to work by ferry. I enjoy taking my boat out fishing from the marina, and playing tennis and helping run our local tennis and pickleball club. Let's join everyone else who can buy beer and wine in their local supermarkets! The requirement for the Trusts to run bars and liquor stores should go; they give a tiny return to the community, given their $120m asset base. The Trusts should then move to a lower-risk, lower-overheads portfolio, greatly improving returns to the community. Please give your 3 votes to Trusts Action Group. We will then ask for a referendum - the first for 22 years. The under 40s have never been allowed to vote on the monopoly. Let's see what happens when they get a choice!

Waitākere Licensing Trust (Ward No. 2 - Lincoln)

Trusts Action Group

Candidate statement

As your current trustee, an IT professional and long-time Waitakere resident, I know what thriving communities look like. West Aucklanders shouldn't have to leave our area for decent dining, competitive prices, or variety in our shopping. During my current term, I've pushed for modern hospitality venues that reflect our changing community - diverse options that serve West Auckland's growing population. Real change requires ending the monopoly through referendum - it's time. I support replacing the current system with one that opens our market to competition while increasing funding for our local projects. This means better venues, lower prices, and more money for community initiatives. The current model isn't working for us. Other communities enjoy supermarket wine sales, diverse entertainment options, and competitive pricing. We deserve the same opportunities. West Auckland has incredible potential, and with the right leadership, we can unlock it. Vote for change. Vote for choice.

Waitākere Licensing Trust (Ward No. 2 - Lincoln)

Candidate statement

I am asking for your vote. I know the Trust's issues as an experienced and previously successful Waitakere Licencing Trust Lincoln Ward representative. People perceive the monopoly on alcohol sales, higher prices, and low community returns relative to its asset base as a negative. However, compared to other parts of Auckland, the West does not have the same crime and alcohol abuse. Lower prices in supermarkets only profit big businesses, using liquor as a loss leader, not the community, and companies that return too much to their shareholders go out of business. We need trustees who want to sustain the trust model in the future, not run it into the ground. I know how to find that balance through my experience on Cogs and running a not-for-profit organisation. Once again, I look forward to your vote to be your representative on the Trust, working collaboratively with the other Trustees.

Waitākere Licensing Trust (Ward No. 2 - Lincoln)

Independent

Candidate statement

Gurdeep Talwar is a proven leader with deep roots in West Auckland. As a skilled management consultant and community advocate, he knows how to get things done. With international experience and strong local knowledge, he brings fresh ideas to solve local problems. Gurdeep holds a postgraduate degree from a British university and sits on several committees across the country. He has a long track record of leading action and bringing results. He’s helped shape decisions that impact real people. He brings that same focus and accountability to everything he does. Gurdeep isn’t about politics - he’s about action. He listens, fights for better services, and works to build a stronger, more connected community. His goal? Long-term solutions that benefit everyone in West Auckland. He’s standing to be your voice. Focused, practical, and always putting people first. For West Auckland. For you.