Ngā kaitono poari ā-rohe 2025Local board candidates 2025

Waitematā Local Board

Candidate statement

Grey Lynn resident 35yrs (previously Parnell) I will listen to you. Voting issue by issue based on merit; I'll champion safer roads for kids, with traffic-lights for school crossings; I'll promote improved traffic flow, with simple solutions that work, from my 30yrs design experience; I'll challenge unnecessary 'inline' bus stops, speed bumps, lost parking and artificially narrowed arterial roads. Because congestion has a real financial cost to you; I'll cut unnecessary projects designed only to benefit contractors and consultants, funded by your rates; I'll work to protect our parks, mature trees, clean waterways, recognising a healthy environment provides social and economic return; I'll support Speedway and concerts at Western Springs; I'll use my deep insight into Council systems to get results; My campaigning for transparency has already contributed to opening once-secret Council workshops to the public, and bringing out-of-control CCO's under council oversight. I'm here to serve you, not party-lines.

Waitematā Local Board

C&R - Communities and Residents

Candidate statement

Experienced Advocate for Waitematā. A lifelong Aucklander and 25 years Parnell local, Anne holds a Bachelor of Commerce and worked alongside her father in the family's printing and packaging business. She was a pioneer in Australasia's credit card industry and New Zealand's first female public Company Director, demonstrating strong leadership and decision-making. Anne runs a business importing Champagne and wine barrels for the NZ wine industry. A passionate animal welfare advocate, she founded the New Zealand Cat Foundation and has received numerous awards. She promotes mandatory spaying and microchipping to humanely address stray cat issues, and champions responsible pet ownership through education and fair by-laws. Concerned about rising rates, Anne advocates for efficient, accountable local governance focused on essentials. She will push for action on traffic congestion, crime, and improved CBD accessibility and safety; to support both community wellbeing and thriving local businesses. Vote Anne Batley Burton and C&R Candidates.

Waitematā Local Board

City Vision

Candidate statement

I’m a Grey Lynn local, Ponsonby Intermediate parent trustee and expert on child-friendly cities. Finding good solutions for the environment and people is my passion. I do my homework, listen to residents and get things done. Over two terms on the Waitematā Local Board, I’ve successfully advocated for infrastructure to reduce flood risk and make our harbours swimmable, and better emergency planning for all residents, including apartment dwellers. Community connections matter. We need access to sports, parks, the arts, and opportunities to play. I helped deliver enhanced civic spaces in Ponsonby, Karangahape Road and Parnell. I am committed to restoring the Olympic Pool and Leys Library. People deserve homes in interesting neighbourhoods with reliable public transport, safe streets, trees and birdsong. With thoughtful planning, new technologies, and a collaborative approach, we can build an inclusive, climate-resilient, culturally and economically vibrant city. Vote for me and the effective City Vision team.

Waitematā Local Board

C&R - Communities and Residents

Candidate statement

I've been part of our city's business community for most of my life, serving customers at the family dairy and later growing to 11 Asian supermarkets across Auckland. We arrived in NZ in 1980 as refugees from Cambodia. I've seen many changes and know we can make it easier to get around - for all modes of transport. I've also seen changes in safety, with security guards helping businesses manage shoplifting and abusive behaviour. Let's make Waitemata a connected, vibrant place where businesses thrive and people feel safe and welcomed. As previous Chairperson of K'Road Business Association for 5 years, I understand business precincts well. I'll challenge wasteful spending, push for evidence-based projects, and advocate for better Asian representation. My long-standing commitment to Auckland and hard-working business experience, I bring a balanced, common-sense approach to make our city safer and more liveable for all. Vote Muy Chhour and all C&R.

Waitematā Local Board

Candidate statement

I’m standing for the Waitematā Local Board because I care deeply about this place and the people who call it home. I’m a journalist and documentary maker, a husband, and a proud dad to our 12-year-old daughter, who’s growing up right here. We share the same footpaths, parks, libraries, streets and public transport – and I want to help make them better for all of us. Over the years, I’ve coached kids’ sports, volunteered at local schools, and mentored young people. As a journalist, I’ve spent my career listening, asking questions, and standing up for fairness. I reckon local government should be less about shouting and more about listening with empathy, and getting things done. I believe in a city that backs its people to thrive – whoever they are. Waitematā deserves local voices who turn up, speak up, and follow through. I’d love to be one of them.

Waitematā Local Board

City Vision

Candidate statement

My family and I have lived in Westmere for 30 years. You may already know me as an actor, presenter, writer, or board member, flyfisher, motorcyclist and club president. Now, I am offering my experience, communication skills, and enquiring mindset to provide informed advocacy and governance through Waitematā Local Board. We need to take action. Cleaning up our local waterways now is worthwhile, knowing that the Central Interceptor project and other infrastructure will improve water quality for generations to come. Use of motorcycles and two-wheeled transport (including electric scooters) will reduce carbon and congestion. Modern public transport, architecture and intelligent planning will help create a resilient ocean-front city and its environs, for residents, recreation, and business. Our educated young City Vision team are actively engaged in making Auckland thrive, by looking forward and managing well. We will deliver it. Please vote for both me and the energetic City Vision team.

Waitematā Local Board

Candidate statement

As a long-time urban dweller and community advocate, I am proud to stand for the Waitematā Local Board to help shape inclusive, creative, and thriving neighbourhoods for all who call this place home. Known affectionately as the unofficial Mayor of Karangahape Road, I’m continually inspired by the street’s resilient communities: owner-operators, residents, workers, and rough sleepers, who embody relational care, creativity, and indigenous-led resilience. My practice is grounded in Parihakatanga: peaceful resistance, visionary leadership, and deep commitment to place-based, community-driven change. I bring a kaupapa Māori lens to my work, championing indigenous knowledge, collective care, and cultural celebration. I believe transformation is possible when we honour our stories, ground our actions in culture, and work together. These are the values I will carry to the board table.

Waitematā Local Board

C&R - Communities and Residents

Candidate statement

Passionate about Waitematā the best place to live and work, Leo believes there is a responsibility to deliver for those who call this place home. A next generation leader and the son of hardworking immigrants, Leo is no stranger to putting in the hard yards to make a real difference - especially when it comes to what he believes in. Working with small business owners, Leo values their contributions and the need for them to be heard. A victim of crime, Leo recognises the need to make our city centre and neighbouring suburbs safer. Leo believes council can also do better to deliver more cost-effective and democartic solutions, inviting everybody to the table to ensure a vibrant city for all. It is also time to get Auckland out of gridlock, putting forward common sense transport solutions. Vote Leo Grachev and all the C&R Team to move Waitematā forward - Together

Waitematā Local Board

City Vision

Candidate statement

I live in central Auckland and care about making it thrive. We have so much potential here if we look to the future. I’ve spent the last decade improving education and digital inclusion in Auckland and beyond. I want to bring this energy to local government. I’m an expert in research, analysis, communication, and technology. I serve on my apartment’s body corporate committee and understand the importance of managing infrastructure and balancing competing interests. It’s not just high-quality housing we need. It’s places to go, such as parks, libraries, and arts and cultural centres. And safe and efficient ways to get around. We need technology done well to power businesses and communities into the future. I’m active in local tech initiatives and secured international grant funding for AI upskilling for Aucklanders. I’m known as a problem-solver who gets things done. Vote for me and the energetic City Vision team.

Waitematā Local Board

Concerned Ratepayers Herne Bay

Candidate statement

Ponsonby Pete is Concerned Ratepayers Herne Bay People’s Fighter - Here for the Community, Ready for Change Background: Electrical & Civil Engineering, Project Management Skills: Practical problem-solving, common-sense decisions - yes to car parks, no to endless road cones Signature Move: Cutting through red tape and making things work Style: Pragmatic, community-focused, outcome-driven Pet Peeve: Bloated budgets and basics being ignored After years of attending council and board meetings, one thing is clear: our community deserves better. We need more listening, more logic, and less waste. That’s why I’m stepping up with the Local Government Fight Club - a nationwide movement of concerned ratepayers taking the fight to broken systems. Across the country we’re standing up for real change. Back your local fighter. Let’s fix this - together.

Waitematā Local Board

Candidate statement

As a child, I looked forward to any chance I had to visit the city, to soak up the hustle and bustle and escape the placid atmosphere of West Auckland. This fascination stuck with me through my undergraduate years, as walking up Queen Street became part of my daily routine. Yet, ten years on, as I have come to call Grafton home, I find the city’s charm has slowly eroded, replaced by a ghost of its former self. While I don’t claim to have all the answers to the city’s conundrums, I’m standing for the Waitematā Local Board to be part of the solution. Having nearly completed my PhD in community development and spent the last four years teaching over 800 university students, I am confident that I can represent the close to 10,000 students who live in the city centre, while also bringing a fresh perspective to the board.

Waitematā Local Board

C&R - Communities and Residents

Candidate statement

After a merchant banking career, I retrained as an architect, and over the past 20 years I have dedicated myself to protecting our built heritage. I've been engaged with the WLB since its formation in 2010, received its Good Citizen's Award in 2013, and after one term on the Waitematā Local Board I'm keen to build on that experience. I think limited funds should be spent ensuring basic services are properly provided, and the plethora of Council projects should be subject to review to ensure those funds are applied to projects that are both necessary, and provide value for money. If re-elected, I will continue seeking better quality information be provided to the board for its decision-making, and of course I will continue to champion the quality of the built and natural environment. Vote Allan Matson and C&R

Waitematā Local Board

C&R - Communities and Residents

Candidate statement

I grew up in Grey Lynn and now reside in Herne Bay. I am a successful financial adviser and a former police officer. Throughout my life, I have been passionate about serving my community through my active involvement in numerous local organisations and as an elected member of the Western Bays Community Board, Auckland Council and the Waitematā Local Board. If re-elected, I will support further investment in our cultural and sporting organisations, community facilities and parks. I will also fight to protect our unique shopping precincts, our built heritage and historic residential areas and our natural environment. I will work to make the City Centre a safe and welcoming place for visitors, shoppers, business owners and residents, and I will support initiatives to increase the visibility of the Police there and to ensure the issues around the homeless and rough sleepers are properly addressed. Vote Greg Moyle and C&R.

Waitematā Local Board

C&R - Communities and Residents

Candidate statement

With over a decade as a local business owner in Ponsonby and the CBD, active community member, and current parent of a child attending a local school, I have deep, lasting roots in Waitemata. I've contributed to the community's energy while seeing clearly the need for focused leadership and tangible results that benefit our neighbourhood. My extensive board experience involves five years on the Ponsonby Business Association, including a chair on the Safety and Security Committee, leading initiatives to enhance and protect our community's wellbeing, while promoting thriving businesses. I also bring seven years of experience with a respected national charity, five years as president and trustee, focusing on our members receiving the strong support and opportunities they needed. I offer bold, transparent leadership backed by lived experience, strategic insight, a clear commitment to action, and most of all a passion for the Waitemata area. Vote Nick Nielson and C&R

Waitematā Local Board

City Vision

Candidate statement

I have served on the Waitematā Local Board from 2022 to 2025, and I hope to continue representing you. Why am I standing again? This role has been unlike anything I’ve experienced, particularly hard to navigate for Māori and other minority communities still underrepresented at the decision-making table. I want to be a strong local voice, grounded in lived experience and with a collective ambition. I’m a proud Ngāti Whātua descendant, I bring leadership experience across the corporate and iwi sectors in housing, health, investment, and now in a firm that is an industry leader in the built environment. I believe in intergenerational solutions and a city that reflects who we are, and who we want to become. Waitematā is the heart of Tāmaki Makaurau — let’s make sure we build a city that reflects us all.
 Vote for me and the City Vision team.

Waitematā Local Board

Independent

Candidate statement

I am an independent film producer, property and hotel development advisor, and a long-time community contributor running for the Waitematā Local Board. I have lived in Parnell with my Kiwi husband and our son for 12 years, this is the place we proudly and wholeheartedly call home. I understand the real challenges our community faces — from housing pressures and urban density to street safety, sustainability, and the need for a true sense of belonging. I honour the past while embracing the future, celebrate diversity while striving for true inclusion. To me, balance means listening deeply, connecting perspectives, and bridging reason with empathy. I stand with the community — because the community stands with me. I’m here to amplify fresh, underrepresented voices and to help shape a stronger, fairer, and more harmonious Waitematā — together.

Waitematā Local Board

City Vision

Candidate statement

There is no place like Auckland. I love our city, especially Waitematā, where I studied for my masters and where I live and work. Like any community, we have urgent challenges requiring positive decisions and I strongly believe the best solutions are locally led, involving all voices. My work in the non-profit sector as an advocate for better transport and housing has ensured locally-supported solutions are delivered as promised. I’m a City Centre Residents’ Group committee member. My knowledge, skills, and experience will strengthen the local board. Better public transport, walkable and bikeable streets, safer speed limits around our schools will make our communities more family-friendly. I support more public spaces to bring people together, green spaces to soak up heavy rains, and urban ngāhere to cool our neighbourhoods. City Vision will deliver community-focused solutions so everyone can flourish in Waitematā. Vote for me and the energetic City Vision team.

Waitematā Local Board

C&R - Communities and Residents

Candidate statement

Elected, as a Local Board Member, to serve you in 2019 and rated the most effective Waitematā Local Board member. Sarah is a strong and experienced community advocate, ensuring core services and infrastructure are delivered with intergenerational sustainability and value to ratepayers. She has lived locally for 20+ years; her children attended Marist Herne Bay and Ponsonby Intermediate. Sarah is an effective and respected business leader, director, celebrant and campaigner for ending homelessness. Her commonsense approach is valued when listening authentically to the community she is elected to serve. Sarah was recognised with a Queen's honour for services to business and community. She brings the ability for robust discussion, keeping organisations accountable and authentic consultation. Vote Sarah Trotman and all the C&R Candidates

Waitematā Local Board

City Vision

Candidate statement

I am standing for election to use my skills and experience to contribute to making Auckland a better place to live. I believe Waitematā needs leadership committed to its progress, prosperity and promise to be a place residents can genuinely call home. I am committed to a safe and inclusive city with a vibrant local culture, a healthy environment, a thriving economy, affordable housing, and a range of transport choices. I am an experienced board member, law tutor and community worker, and already have a strong track record of successfully working inside council, and with the community, as a member of the Rainbow Communities Advisory Panel. I have the freshness, vision, innovation, new energy and collaborative approach that Waitematā needs, and will be accessible and available to you as an effective and committed community representative. Vote for me and the effective City Vision team for a better future for Waitematā.

Waitematā Local Board

City Vision

Candidate statement

I am young. I know that our young people are leaving Waitematā because they don’t see a future here. I want to change that. I will help create a Waitematā where people want to live, work, and stay. I know firsthand what it’s like to be a student, renter, and worker navigating this city. With a Bachelor’s degree in Politics, International Relations, and Communications from the University of Auckland, and through my work at Auckland City Mission, I’ve seen challenges from housing to transport, but there are opportunities for real, people-led change. I’m committed to upholding Te Tiriti o Waitangi and making sure every voice is heard in local decision-making. If elected, I’ll prioritise vibrancy in the city centre and suburbs, better public transport, and strong advocacy on homelessness, so we can build a Waitematā where everyone thrives. Vote for me and the energetic City Vision team.