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The information on this page has been provided by the candidates. It does not reflect the views or positions of Auckland Council.
Seamus Sambhu LAL
Candidate for Waitākere Ward
Candidate statement
Tēnā koutou. I’m standing for Council to serve the people of Waitākere and Henderson-Massey with honesty, faith, and heart. I’m a Catholic and a follower of Jesus (Hēhu Karaiti), and I believe in leadership that cares for people - with aroha, fairness, and respect. I have 13 years’ experience working in Corrections and one year as an Enforcement officer and Waste Advisor. I’ve worked with whānau facing hard times and I understand the real issues: safe streets, good homes, support for rangatahi (young people), and protecting our environment. I want to bring your voice to the Council table. My focus is on practical solutions that help our communities now and in the future. I believe in mahi tahi (working together) to make our neighbourhoods strong and hopeful. Ngā mihi nui, Seamus Sambhu Lal
Why I want to be elected
I have over 13 years’ experience in Corrections and One year in waste management, working directly with people and real community issues. Neke atu i te 13 tau taku mahi i te Manatū Ara Poutama me tētahi tau i te whakahaere para – he wheako tūturu ki ngā take o te hapori. I stand for safer communities, affordable housing, better transport, youth support, and protecting our environment. E tū ana au mō te haumaru, ngā whare e taea ana te utu, he waka pai ake, tautoko rangatahi, me te tiaki taiao.
My key skills and qualities
🗳️ Vote Seamus Lal for Waitākere Ward Pōti mō Seamus Lal – Te Rōpū o Waitākere ⸻ ✊ Why Vote for Me – He Take Hei Pōti Mai i Ahau ✔ 13+ years in Corrections and 1 year in waste management ✔ Real-life experience with real people ✔ Faith-driven, community-focused ✔ Committed to safe streets, affordable housing, youth, and the environment ✔ A voice for the people – not politics ⸻ 💪 Skills & Qualities – Ngā Pūkenga me ngā Āhuatanga ✅ Strong Leadership ✅ Honest Communication ✅ Problem Solver
My top three key issues
I bring real-life experience from years working with people in challenging situations, giving me a deep understanding of our community’s needs. My faith drives me to serve with honesty and compassion. I’m committed to safer streets, affordable housing, youth opportunities, and protecting our environment. Championing quality education, safer schools, and rich extra-curriculars, while supporting families, iwi. Im not here for politics—I’m here to be a genuine voice for the people of Waitākere.
My position on key topics
Transport
“In Waitākere, we will work with Auckland Transport, iwi, Pasifika, and local communities to fix roads, improve buses and trains, and make public transport safer. We’ll create better walking and cycling links to schools, shops, and parks, with safe crossings, footpaths, and cycle lanes. These changes will cut congestion, protect our environment, and make travel safe, easy, and fair for everyone.” I am not for politics but for people, serving communities.
Water
I will ensure Auckland’s water is safe, clean, and resilient. I’ll modernize wastewater and stormwater systems sustainably, protect our waterways and environment, and promote climate-resilient infrastructure. I will engage communities with education on water conservation and pollution prevention, working with local groups and iwi to ensure inclusive, responsible planning while building a modern, environmentally safe water system for all Aucklanders.
Built environment
Auckland’s urban development should balance housing growth, infrastructure, heritage, and jobs. Expanding housing and transport networks must be sustainable and climate-resilient, while protecting historic sites. Engaging local communities and international businesses supports inclusive planning, economic growth, and job creation. Green spaces, modern infrastructure, and heritage preservation together ensure Auckland remains a livable, thriving city for residents and businesses alike.
Natural environment
I will protect and enhance Auckland’s natural spaces by restoring habitats, controlling invasive species, and supporting biodiversity. Green infrastructure and nature-based solutions will boost climate resilience and manage stormwater. Iwi, communities, kids, and youth will be engaged through dialogue, education, and hands-on programs, fostering environmental stewardship while building a resilient, thriving city for current and future generations.
Community
I will build strong, connected communities by fostering inclusive engagement and partnerships with iwi, Pacific, multicultural, and faith-based groups. I will enhance local services and facilities by upgrading parks, libraries, sports hubs, and public transport. I will support kids and youth through programs, extra-curricular activities, and curriculum initiatives that celebrate culture and faith, promoting learning, wellbeing, and opportunities for all ages.
Economic and cultural development
I aim to boost economic growth by supporting local businesses and creating opportunities for youth, iwi, and Pacifica communities through mentoring, skills programs, and grants. I will promote cultural and faith heritage and youth engagement by supporting cultural, arts, sports, and faith-based activities, festivals, and local crafts, integrating culture and values into education and tourism, strengthening the economy while fostering pride, inclusion, and community connection.
Well-managed local government and outcomes for Māori
Deliver Māori outcomes by partnering with iwi and engaging educated youth, including high school programs, to bring bright ideas to jobs, culture, and decision-making. Manage the Port of Auckland sustainably while attracting local and international business and investment. Grow the Auckland Future Fund through strategic projects benefiting communities and young innovators. Support storm recovery with resilient infrastructure and youth-led initiatives to protect homes and nature.
Candidate's supporting links
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