Disclaimer
The information on this page has been provided by the candidates. It does not reflect the views or positions of Auckland Council.
Kara KENNEDY
Candidate for 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.
Why I want to be elected
I’m running because I live in central Auckland and care about making the city thrive. We have so much potential here. I’m skilled in digital technologies and know these can help our government and our city better respond to challenges and opportunities. I know what it’s like to live in damp, unhealthy housing, so I support high-quality housing developments near transport hubs. When I make decisions, I do thorough research and focus on solutions that will work long term.
My key skills and qualities
I’m a problem-solver who loves learning about technologies and empowering others. My PhD programme developed my skills in research, analysis, and communication. My work in education and not-for-profits strengthened my resolve to ensure everyone can fully participate in our digital world. My strength lies in communicating and building bridges between the worlds of arts and technology, between academic and grassroots, between technical and non-technical. I care, I listen, and I get things done!
My top three key issues
My top priority is technology: I want everyone to have the digital skills and confidence to meaningfully participate and thrive in society. My next priority is high-quality, affordable housing close to workplaces and amenities. My third priority is ensuring that local government decisions are strategic, informed by research, and future focused. I believe we will have a stronger and more resilient city and economy if we can harness technology's potential and bring everyone along on the journey.
My position on key topics
Transport
I support a well-connected transport network that offers genuine choice, so people can move around efficiently and safely across multiple modes of travel. We need transport initiatives that work towards improving our air quality and reducing congestion. Walking, cycling, and public transport options should be encouraged and be attractive to both residents and visitors. Public transport should be affordable, reliable, and convenient as part of a growing city.
Water
Water is essential for life and Auckland’s water service needs to be managed as a publicly owned, controlled, and delivered service that prioritises quality and safety now and in the future. We must address chronic underinvestment in water infrastructure projects by prioritising wastewater and stormwater system upgrades to mitigate overflows and flooding risks. We need to clean up our harbours, beaches, and coastal areas to protect healthy ecosystems for ourselves and future generations.
Built environment
I live in a central city apartment and notice we can be left out of city planning such as with green food bins. I will bring this apartment perspective to the table and address the opportunities and challenges in decisions affecting apartment residents. We need more high-quality, affordable, and secure housing choices where people want to live. We need good urban design that balances history and heritage with changing needs and building standards. We all benefit when everyone has stable housing.
Natural environment
In Auckland we live on the edge of a beautiful coast and can enjoy birdsong and greenery throughout the city, but we have more work to do to protect our natural spaces from erosion, pollution, flooding, and other risks. We need to prioritise green spaces that encourage biodiversity and native plants and animals, and help us respond to changing climate events. We need to think and plan for the long term and harness current and emerging technologies to assist us.
Community
Communities begin with people, and people of all ages deserve to have safe, well-maintained places to go and things to do to feel part of their community. I support the maintenance and development of key amenities and facilities including libraries, parks, and arts and cultural venues. I support having a range of free and paid events to provide options for different groups and interests. We need community-led initiatives that promote wellbeing and belonging for current and new residents.
Economic and cultural development
Technology is key to unlocking economic opportunities and innovation. I want to ensure Auckland businesses are prepared to benefit from technologies like artificial intelligence (AI) and the continued move to digital. We need business owners and workers to have digital and AI literacy to participate in the digital economy and harness the benefits while avoiding risks. We also have unique opportunities to preserve and promote cultural heritage through engaging digital platforms and experiences.
Well-managed local government and outcomes for Māori
I support continuing the local board’s work in delivering Māori outcomes through involving mana whenua in project planning, improving parks and natural spaces, and supporting initiatives that build Māori participation and engagement. We can also explore opportunities to support business and development through digital initiatives. For the Port of Auckland, we need to keep this strategic asset under government ownership to ensure it is subject to public accountability and decision-making.
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.