Disclaimer
The information on this page has been provided by the candidates. It does not reflect the views or positions of Auckland Council.
Alexandra BONHAM
Candidate for 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.
Why I want to be elected
I will work to deliver a beautiful, green, climate-resilient city with affordable housing and low emission transport. I will ensure parks and streets can better manage floodwater, provide native habitat, and keep homes safe from natural hazards. I will invest in maintaining our sports fields, libraries, arts and community centres so people can have fun, stay fit, and connect with each other. I will support local businesses and residents to succeed, and ensure the city is managed well.
My key skills and qualities
I am good-humoured, thoughtful, curious and I care about Auckland and current and future residents. I'm a good communicator and listener who works productively with council staff, other elected members and residents to find and deliver solutions that take different perspectives and needs into account. I studied law, worked as a fiction editor and completed a PhD on the role of play in cities. I can get my head around complex information, understand trade-offs and make well-informed decisions.
My top three key issues
Climate Action - the weather is changing, our coastline is shifting and we need to reduce emissions and plan thoughtfully so people don't suffer extreme heat or floods. Adaptation can mean better quality of life with more trees, greenspace, well-designed housing and jobs. Maintaining and enhancing community facilities to support health, wellbeing and strong community networks. Fostering an innovative, vibrant city where everyone can participate, feel safe, and get support when they need it.
My position on key topics
Transport
Reducing emissions is a high priority so electrifying trains, buses, ferries, and personal transport is key but Auckland is low density, and sprawling, which leads to car dependency and congestion. Greater density would sustain frequent, fast public transport and safe walkable streets. This, with a connected cycle network and good wayfinding would create viable alternatives for most journeys, freeing the road for those who need to drive. Helicopter users should use a commercial heliport.
Water
We should invest in infrastructure to reduce sewage going into the oceans, so all our bays become swimmable. We should manage stormwater to reduce flooding risk. This means regular drain maintenance, retention tanks, landscaping solutions - bunds, swales and wetland planting - and the use of sensors and machine learning to direct pipe maintenance in a timely and cost-effective way. Watercare's Metropolitan strategy to find new water sources and manage wastewater and biosolids is sound.
Built environment
We need to go up, rather than sprawl onto farmland, with greater density near public transport and shops. We don't want concrete everywhere so let's champion good urban design and planning. I support mid-rise housing that leaves space for trees and play, and well-designed apartments with cross-ventilation, light and outlook. I support protecting heritage and some quality special character areas but more affordable housing is needed, including senior flats. Old and new can work together well.
Natural environment
Council should reduce its own emissions and mitigate climate impacts. We should make space for water and plant up parks, berms, walls and roofs to cool streets and improve flood resilience. We should empower communities to improve natural environments, address coastal erosion and reduce risk. We can do more sponge gardening to improve soils, retain water and increase biodiversity. Emergency management systems must be fit for purpose and support all communities, including apartment residents.
Community
We need to ensure funding to maintain and enhance facilities like pools, libraries and parks. They support the wellbeing of our growing local population and connect residents to each other and the many other Aucklanders who enjoy them. Council offers resources and guidance, from venue hire to hazard maps, but it would help if this were communicated better. We should also target the young, homeless, vulnerable or new to the city so they can get support as needed, participate and contribute.
Economic and cultural development
Waitemata is full of universities, innovative companies and business associations. Council could play a stronger role in collaborating with them and facilitating local, national and international opportunities. The opening of the CRL is an opportunity to attract more residents and visitors to the city centre and fringe suburbs with activations and events. Late night opening of shops, museums and galleries on Thursdays would also boost the hospitality and performing arts sectors.
Well-managed local government and outcomes for Māori
Maori should lead on delivering Maori outcomes and council needs to support, eg. enabling papakainga housing, and better funding marae and Maori community organisations. The port is a strategic asset and provides a large ongoing revenue stream to fund council activities. Shipping is a low emission way to move goods and Auckland is the final destination for many imports. Boost the future fund with a modest targeted rate that reflects each property's value and risk and support managed retreat.
Candidate's supporting links
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