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
Our region deserves more vision and ambition. I have the passion, skills and experience to make it happen. My Vision: I support initiatives that boost the region’s economy and creative sector. I will advocate for transport and walkway solutions that better interconnect neighbourhoods, shops and parks. I will demand effective, and inclusive, longterm infrastructure planning and action. Our world-unique natural environment will be prioritised, nurtured and enjoyed by all. My skills: I have a record of bringing good people together to make things happen. I’ve delivered successful, award-winning projects locally and at Auckland Museum, Te Papa and Corban Estate Arts Centre. Having lived in the area for over 30 years, I understand its strengths and challenges, and its potential to be the best place anywhere. My promise: I will work with laser focus on your behalf. I’ll innovate, collaborate and apply pressure on central council to deliver your needs. www.dianeblomfield.nz
Why I want to be elected
I'm standing to bring energy, experience, and inclusive leadership to address systemic challenges and deliver visionary, integrated progress in a region I deeply care about. As a long-time Laingholm local, I know our community's needs and potential. I’ll champion arts and culture, environment, connected walkways, smarter transport, better planning, and meaningful engagement—ensuring decisions respect both natural and built heritage, meet local needs, and shape a region we’re proud to call home.
My key skills and qualities
I bring decades of leadership across community and professional sectors, underpinned by strategic thinking and sound decision-making. I’ve delivered award-winning cultural programmes and managed significant budgets, for leading museums and arts organisations, ensuring authentic public engagement. My strengths include clear communication, collaborative leadership, and the ability to deliver results through cross-sector partnerships. I work constructively with teams, professionals and communities.
My top three key issues
Community and Culture. I'll advocate for bold, integrated arts and culture strategy that nurtures local talent and ensures access for all, with vibrant village centres, coastal access, and walkable, connected neighbourhoods. Environment and Resilience.I’ll support initiatives that deepen our connection to nature and strengthen environmental protection. Visionary, Inclusive, Effective Leadership.I'll ensure place-based planning that reflects community priorities and challenge poor decisions.
My position on key topics
Transport
Waitākere Ranges transport solutions must reflect how we live—currently car-reliant but aiming for better options. I support; - Interconnected walkways between neighbourhoods and along the Manukau - Local shuttle loops, with buses that fit our roads, to villages, beaches and train stations, bikes on buses. - Safe shared cycle paths and calmer urban zones, Let’s improve intersections, crossings, and parking, fix the potholes, reasonable speed bumps, while planning for a multi-modal future.
Water
Water is a critical issue—too much, too little, and ageing infrastructure. Our clay soils and long coastline demand urgent action. I support: - Incentives for rainwater harvesting - Stream and wetland restoration - Flood-resilient urban design (e.g. permeable surfaces) I’ll advocate for evidence-based solutions that are grounded in local knowledge and international best practice.
Built environment
I’ll keep our region at the forefront of city-wide planning—ensuring our rates work towards making our town centres thrive with dynamic suburbs, and innovative forest-fringe communities. Projects like the Titirangi toilets should reflect local creativity and involve the community from design through to delivery. I'll back walkable urban villages, arts and cultural venues, and green spaces. I will advocate design and build fit for people, place and planet, in partnership with local suppliers.
Natural environment
My experience bridging science and community engagement ensures transparent, inclusive environmental decision-making for future generations. I believe in acting local and thinking global. We need more awareness campaigns along coastal shores to protect our marine life. As a long-resident of Laingholm, I recall the fantastic weed free Waitākere initiatives and the need for them to be revisited. I strongly believe in protecting greenspaces and horticultural land in and around urban developments.
Community
Over decades of cultural leadership, I’ve helped build events that foster connections and belonging. I’ll support: ● Markets, Libraries, community gardens, and arts events indoor and outdoor. ● School hubs and volunteer groups ● Circular shuttle services tailored to our roads ● Safe cycle and walking routes linking homes, parks, and schools and villages ● I’ll back youth hubs, maker-spaces, and mental health support spaces. I'll work hard to mitigate impacts of budget decisions on wellbeing.
Economic and cultural development
Our region has incredible potential—world-class beaches, ancient kauri, award-winning cultural centres, and diverse communities. Yet our region is over-represented in unemployment statistics while commuting elsewhere for work. Drawing from my cultural leadership experience, I'll advocate for local employment initiatives, better connectivity within our region, support for local businesses, and developing our gateway tourism potential with Zeelandia styled opportunities.
Well-managed local government and outcomes for Māori
I’ll apply my project management experience and budgeting skills to ensure place-specific, sustainable solutions—prioritising local contractors wherever feasible. I’ll also revisit past missed opportunities to inform smarter future planning. Drawing from my experience in my partnership programming approach with mana whenua, I'll champion Te Kawerau ā Maki aspirations including progressing Te Henga Marae development. Te Tiriti based partnerships and transparent leadership will underpin my work.
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.