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
Qureshi, Rizwan Ahmed. For a Thriving, Safe Waitākere As an IT graduate and an active community advocate, I’m committed to making Waitākere prosperous, connected, and crime-free. The Local Board plays a vital role in shaping our parks, libraries, local services, and community safety, and I’ll ensure your voice is heard. With my tech expertise, I’ll push for smarter solutions. Better digital access, efficient services, and innovative approaches to tackle local issues. I’ll advocate for: Safer communities – Supporting crime prevention initiatives and youth engagement; Stronger infrastructure – Upgrading local facilities and sustainable development; Economic growth – Backing small businesses and job opportunities; I believe in transparent, proactive leadership. Let’s work together to keep Waitākere a vibrant place to live, work, and thrive. Vote Qureshi, Rizwan Ahmed for fresh energy and real results!
Why I want to be elected
I’m standing because I love our community and believe we need fresh energy, tech-smart solutions, and strong local leadership to keep the Waitākere Ranges thriving. As an IT professional and active community member, I see huge potential to improve services, protect our environment, and ensure our neighborhoods are safe and welcoming.
My key skills and qualities
As an IT graduate and community advocate, I bring fresh perspectives and hands-on problem-solving to the Local Board: 🔹 Tech-Smart Leadership: Push for efficient services, digital inclusion. 🔹 Community Connector: Listen first and take action. 🔹 Practical Problem-Solver: Focus on outcomes, not politics. 🔹 Passion for Sustainability: Eco-friendly policies to preserve our forests and waterways—because Waitākere’s beauty is non-negotiable. I’m not here for talk; I’m here to deliver.
My top three key issues
1. Protect Our Natural Legacy "The Ranges are our taonga – we must guard them fiercely." ✔ Kauri dieback prevention ✔ Sustainable tourism ✔ Streamside restoration 2. Safer, Stronger Communities "Everyone deserves to feel secure in their neighborhood." ✔ Rural crime prevention ✔ Youth engagement ✔ Emergency preparedness 3. Future-Focused Infrastructure "Smart solutions for our unique challenges." ✔ Roads & connectivity ✔ Community hubs ✔ Zero-waste initiatives
My position on key topics
Transport
1. Safer Roads That Last • Accelerated pothole repairs and proper drainage • Push for sensor technology to detect road damage early • Improve warning systems for slips, narrow bridges and high-risk intersections 2. Public Transport That Works for the Ranges • Demand-responsive solutions • Reliable connections 3. Walking/Cycling Networks That Connect • Strategic upgrades • Eco-design • Safety first 4. Future-Ready Solutions • EV readiness • Community transport • Visitor management
Water
Supply Security: Fast-track rainwater harvesting incentives and fix leaks in aging infrastructure. Quality Protection: Strengthen monitoring of Waitākere dams and streams, with real-time pollution alerts. Stormwater Solutions: Expand natural wetlands (like Te Henga) to reduce flooding and filter runoff. Wastewater Innovation: Invest in localised treatment systems for rural areas to prevent overflows. Why? As an IT professional, I’ll push for smart sensors and transparency in water data.
Built environment
Balanced Growth for Waitākere Ranges: Housing: Support sustainable density in existing towns (e.g., Titirangi), not rural zones. Infrastructure: Demand upgrades before new development (roads, water, broadband). Heritage: Protect iconic sites (like heritage villas/forests) with stricter rules. Rural Character: Resist sprawl—promote eco-friendly tiny homes for locals instead. Why? Growth must respect our environment and community character.
Natural environment
Protecting Waitākere’s Natural Legacy Biodiversity Boost: Fund predator-free communities & restore native forests (e.g., kauri protection zones). Climate Resilience: Plant riparian buffers to reduce flooding & partner with iwi on coastal adaptation plans. Eco-Access: Upgrade tracks with boardwalks to protect sensitive areas while enabling low-impact recreation. Youth Kaitiaki Programs: Engage schools in restoration & climate monitoring. Why? Our Ranges are a living treasure—I’ll fight for them.
Community
Connected, Thriving Waitākere: Community Hubs: Upgrade libraries & halls into multi-use spaces (co-working, events, emergency shelters). Local Services: Extend mobile health clinics and free digital literacy programs for seniors. Wellbeing: Create safe walking routes to schools and expand youth mental health initiatives. Events: Support cultural festivals and volunteer environmental clean-ups to unite neighbours. Why? Real connection starts with accessible spaces and inclusive support.
Economic and cultural development
Thriving Local Economy & Culture: Business Boost: Cut red tape for small businesses & launch "Shop Local" campaigns in town centers. Green Jobs: Grow eco-tourism & train locals in conservation roles (track maintenance, kauri protection). Cultural Vibrancy: Support Māori arts in community hubs & heritage trails celebrating Waitākere’s stories. Tech Uplift: Free digital workshops to help businesses go online & attract tourists. Why? Our economy should celebrate our people, nature & creativity.
Well-managed local government and outcomes for Māori
Māori Outcomes & Smart Governance: Te Tiriti Partnership: Co-design services with mana whenua (e.g., kauri protection, marae-led housing). Port Future: Divest assets to fund climate resilience & iwi-led green jobs. Future Fund: Invest in local renewables & Māori enterprise (e.g., eco-tourism). Storm Recovery: Fast-track flood-proofing with nature-based solutions (wetlands, Māori knowledge). Why? Real partnership delivers both economic & environmental wins
Candidate's supporting links
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