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
Kia ora, I’m Hannah - a proud Westie and long-time Piha local. I’m standing for the Waitākere Ranges Local Board because, like many of you, I felt frustrated after the 2023 cyclone. Our roads, drains, and communities have been under-resourced for too long- and the supercity model just hasn’t delivered for the West. I’ve spent 20 years working in programme management and community engagement, including with grassroots groups, new migrants, and the disability community. I’m currently the Accessibility Programme Coordinator for the Auckland Arts Festival, and I’m passionate about inclusion, transparency, and decisions made with our communities, not for us. As a mum, partner to a park ranger, and someone who’s called Piha home for over 20 years, I love this place and want to help protect it for future generations. Let’s build a stronger, fairer, more resilient future for the West - together. Vote Hannah Slade. Vote Future West.
Why I want to be elected
If elected I’ll advocate for more reliable and resilient infrastructure, protecting our beautiful natural environment, and thriving and safe communities. I’m passionate about accessibility and inclusivity, and I commit to engaging with, and listening to what our Waitākere communities have to say and advocating for this at local board and council level. I will work constructively with others to achieve outcomes that are beneficial for the West, and with integrity - I will do what I say I will do.
My key skills and qualities
- Passion for getting people involved in the decisions that affect them - Keen listener- with 20+ years working in community development and engagement - Good communication skills - Ability to think strategically, and to understand how each of the parts contribute to the whole - Sense of fairness, equity and a passion for advocating for inclusivity and accessibility, which I’ve honed through working in the disability sector for more than a decade, and having my own acquired disability
My top three key issues
- Storm resilience (stormwater management, resilient and well-maintained roads and facilities) is a key priority - Our Waitākere Ranges are a taonga, a place we love, and also a place we love to visit and enjoy. I want to see more of our walking tracks open, with a plan in place and timeframes for when and how the network will be resourced going forward. • Looking for ways to bring more of our rates out west. The Supercity hasn’t served the West—we need fairer funding and visionary leadership.
My position on key topics
Transport
-Reliable storm-resilient infrastructure -Cheaper, accessible public transport, connecting our outer areas with the public transport system -I will continue to push for a bus shuttle service to Piha and our other more remote communities
Water
- We need better infrastructure management and planning - Managing stormwater is an important issue for the whole Auckland region, and it is an especially pressing one in communities like Piha. If stormwater continues to undermine the Piha Road, which is a critical connector, we could become cut off following an extreme weather event. We need to develop a long-term stormwater management plan for and with our rural and coastal communities
Built environment
- Better urban design in West Auckland, ensuring that development is in keeping with and sensitive to our cultural and natural heritage - I will advocate for greater accessibility in all planning
Natural environment
- I support protecting and enhancing our natural spaces- they are essential for our mental and physical wellbeing- and I will advocate to ensure that accessibility for our disabled community members is considered - I would like to see the smart design and use of green spaces to support ecosystem functions and resilience to extreme weather events, including properties that have been bought by council following the cyclone
Community
- It is essential that our communities have places, spaces, events and opportunities for connection that foster a sense of belonging - I am committed to working closely with community groups and individuals to help decide funding priorities
Economic and cultural development
- Celebrating and promoting cultural diversity – through events, festivals, markets, and community initiatives - Building a resilient, creative economy – investing in youth, innovation, the arts and a collaboration between business and community
Well-managed local government and outcomes for Māori
- I am committed to supporting Māori outcomes through working closely with mana whenua and honouring Te Tiriti o Waitangi - I am passionate about building resilient communities – investing in storm recovery and infrastructure to protect people, resources, and future wellbeing - I believe in transparent decision making and accountability in leadership
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.