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
Working with Ken Turner, Sunil Kaushal and the WestWards Team, I grew up out west in Parau and now live in Glen Eden, with a strong connection to the Waitākere Ranges and our local community. I worked on the Rainforest Express from 2007 until it closed in 2013, which added to my passion for the area. These days, I love getting out into the bush with my dog Gecko and exploring both the local and wider West Auckland region. I’m a strong advocate for reopening the tramping tracks in the Waitākeres and ensuring these provide genuine wilderness experiences for everyone to enjoy. I care deeply about properly maintaining local infrastructure - roads, drains, and public spaces that make a real difference to our daily lives. I’m dedicated to restoring local decision-making in Council, giving local boards the power to hire local contractors. Together with the WestWards Team, keeping it real.
Why I want to be elected
If I'm elected, I'll advocate to get the Tramping tracks reopened without the over engineering that is currently being used. I'll bring the focus back to core services to ensure these are properly maintained using best practice while keeping costs down. I'll push for local boards to have more say, so we can act faster, hire local contractors and ensure ratepayer money stays local - while making sure the voice of the community is actually heard
My key skills and qualities
I'm practical and not afraid to speak up. I bring hands on experience from working in public spaces and understand how things on the ground actually work. I believe in following best practices to get things done properly, not just patched over. I listen well, follow through, and care about real results. Having lived out west my whole life, I know the area and see what needs fixing and is being neglected. I'll bring honesty, common sense, and a strong local voice to the board table
My top three key issues
Reopen the Waitakere Ranges tramping tracks to restore public access and ensure the tracks provide wilderness experiences. Maintain essential infrastructure-roads, drains, footpaths and parks properly and on time. Return decision making to local boards so we can hire local contractors and keep our rates money working in our communities. I'm passionate about protecting our heritage and what makes the west special while making sure basic services are delivered properly
My position on key topics
Transport
Roads and road maintenace should be priority - cars are still the most common and efficient way people get around, so roads need to flow well and not be slowed down by things like speed bumps. Walking relies on getting the basics right: making sure footpaths are in good, safe condition through proper maintenace of core services. Public transport needs ongoing improvement - it should be reliable and efficient, but right now, its often quicker to drive
Water
We should look into building another dam or dams to ensure a secure water supply for the future. Stormwater systems must be properly maintained so they work efficiently, reduce flooding and protect property. Wastewater and drinking water infrastructure should be kept to high quality standards through regular upkeep and best practice management
Built environment
Urban development needs to be balanced with protecting our unique character and heritage. Housing and population growth must be supported by the right infrastructure, built to last, and maintained properly so it meets the needs of the community now and into the future
Natural environment
Protecting our natural spaces means avoiding over-engineering and keeping tracks and areas as true wilderness experiences. We should reopen the Waitakere Ranges tramping tracks with sensible, sustainable solutions, while caring for biodiversity and ensuring access for people today and future generations
Community
Together with the Westwards team, I'll work to get the basics right- well maintained parks, footpaths, drains and roads create safe, welcoming spaces for everyone. I'll make sure community voices are heard in decisions that affect us and push for high standards in local services and facilities. When core needs are met and people feel their area is cared for, our community becomes stronger and more connected
Economic and cultural development
Economic growth should focus on suupporting local businesses and trades, keeping jobs and investment in our area. Cultural heritage should be preserved and promoted in ways that unites and includes the whole community
Well-managed local government and outcomes for Māori
Council's focus should be on delivering for everyone, treating all communties fairly and making the most of rates money. The Auckland future fund should be used wisely. For storm recovery, we need to get the basics fixed quickly and make sure our infrastructure is ready for whatever's next.
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.