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Bianca O'KEEFE

Bianca O'KEEFE

Candidate for Waitākere Ranges Local Board

Independent

Candidate statement

I am the fourth Generation of my family to reside in the Waitakere Ranges. I believe it's time we stop being the forgotten area. We have to do something different to make our region heard. It's not ok there is no investment in our region, that we aren't promoted as a must do destination, that our roads are still impassable, that our buildings leak It's not ok that when we lost a major international event due to Covid and our council hasn't gotten it back. I helped build one of most successful youth groups and programs working in our community. I have put my heart into making our community better. I believe in strong financial management, taking action, commonsense decision making. If you vote the same way you will get the same result. I am 18, I know we need to do something different. Vote for something better.

Why I want to be elected

My name is Bianca O'Keefe, I'm 18, and I believe everyone deserves a voice, no matter what. I'm running because our community needs fresh energy and real representation. Too often, decisions are made without considering young people, working families, or those who feel disconnected from politics. Its time for your voice to be heard. Its not ok our region isn't invested in, we can't keep being the forgotten region. Its time to make ourselves heard.

My key skills and qualities

As a Health Science student and former committee member of Auckland Youth Climbing Club, I'm passionate about community well-being. My experience in nonprofit leadership has taught me the importance of teamwork and service. I want to bring this energy to the board to advocate for youth, sustainability, and accessible health resources. Let's work together to build a stronger community. I'd appreciate your support! I am of the new generation, I bring that mindset of why not, why can't we be heard

My top three key issues

Let's fix our communities broken roads. No more dodging potholes or delayed buses. We'll prioritise repairs in neglected areas first, because all communities deserve safe transport, Its not ok for our roads to not being fixed since 2023. At the same time, we'll upgrade Waitakere tracks with Māori storytelling, creating jobs while sharing our stories. To ensure that the Waitakere ranges become a must see for tourist. I believe in better roads, fairer investment, and protected nature.

My position on key topics

  • Transport

    We have to hold Auckland transport to account, its not ok our roads aren't fixed, that we don't have easy access to all the areas of our region. I'll push for safer better roading in our region (fixing potholes, less bumper to bumper traffic) reliable and affordable public transport. Community input will guide decisions on local traffic issues rather than ridiculous initiative we get stuck with. We need practical, sustainable solutions that make getting around easier for everyone

  • Water

    We have to have a focus on improving the stormwater system, to reduce flooding within the community and limit the damage that is caused by natural events. Its not ok our region isn't sorted, when wealthy areas of Auckland have already had their issues sorted. We have to hold Auckland council to account for its failure to fix and invest in our region

  • Built environment

    Orr communities needs smart growth that delivers affordable housing while protecting what makes our communities special. I support well-planned intensification near transport hubs and town centres, paired with upfront infrastructure investment in water, roads, and schools. We must preserve heritage buildings and green spaces that give neighbourhoods their character, avoiding reckless urban sprawl.

  • Natural environment

    We live in an area where our natural environment is such an iconic part of our community, My priorities: restoring walking tracks, funding predator control, and planting for climate resilience. We have to push Auckland Council to invest in our tracks to turn them into the must do activity in Auckland to build an interconnected resource We have to Promote and support Piha as a natural attraction We have to protect, enhance and enable our resources so that our region is Jewel in Auckland

  • Community

    I will create safe, welcoming spaces where people can connect with loved ones and meet new friends. By fostering community support networks, we’ll improve wellbeing through togetherness. Let’s build a caring, inclusive region where everyone belongs. We have to continue to support events in our region, such as the Matariki concerts, we need more of this type of events, enabling opportunities for our community to connect and engage with each other

  • Economic and cultural development

    My vision is for a thriving economy that continues to improve over time. We have to push forward with revitalising our villages and foster the growth of small businesses, ensuring that those within the community are able to support themselves and their loved ones. We have to expect those companies that earn off us, to support our community by basing themselves within our region and are held to account for prioritising employing people from our community

  • Well-managed local government and outcomes for Māori

    Too often, decisions are made for Māori communities rather than with them. I’ll push to embed Māori leadership at every level, as solutions work best when they’re designed by the people they affect most. That means proper resourcing for iwi-led initiatives, removing roadblocks to papakāinga housing, and valuing mātauranga Māori in our storm recovery planning. The evidence is clear: when Māori are genuinely included, in outcomes everyone benefits.

Candidate's supporting links

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Disclaimer

The information on this page has been provided by the candidates. It does not reflect the views or positions of Auckland Council.