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
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.
Why I want to be elected
I’m standing for the Waitematā Local Board to help make our streets, parks, libraries and transport work better for everyone. I’m a journalist, husband, dad, a friend to many - I’ve coached kids’ sport, volunteered at local schools and mentored youth. I’ll listen, ask the hard questions, and work for fairness. Local government should be about empathy and action. I want us all to buck up, get involved, roll up our sleeves and get it done together.
My key skills and qualities
I bring an open heart and mind, sharp listening skills, clear communication, and a knack for asking the questions that matter. Years in journalism has taught me how to cut through spin and find practical solutions. I’m community-minded, value fairness and empathy, and follow through for all. I won’t bark at every passing car, but I’m not afraid to tackle tricky issues with energy, humour and determination.
My top three key issues
1. Get Waitematā moving - The world's great cities are best explored on foot, by bike or publlic transport but not at the expense of those who want to drive. 2. Places People Love – support parks, libraries, schools and spaces that make us proud to live here and lift us out of our national funk - Buck Up Waitematā! 3. People Power – we’re stronger together. Work to get more locals to be part of decision making and community projects, less “us and them,” more “hold my beer, we’ve got this.”
My position on key topics
Transport
Getting around Waitematā should be safe, easy, and actually enjoyable - no car required. The world's great cities are best explored on foot or by bike. Let’s expand safe cycle lanes, back buses and ferries that show up on time, and prioritise walking, cycling, and public transport over more traffic - while still keeping streets workable for those who need to drive.
Water
Protect our water from our roofs to our reefs. Fix leaks fast, upgrade pipes, and keep stormwater clean with rain gardens and green streets. Treat wastewater to the highest standard before it reaches our harbour. Support smart water use in homes, gardens, and businesses so we’re ready for dry summers and heavy storms.
Built environment
Growth that makes Auckland more liveable, not just bigger. Build more homes where people want to live, with good transport, green spaces, and facilities close by. Encourage converting empty CBD offices into apartments to make the city centre vibrant, people-friendly and affordable. Invest in infrastructure that keeps pace with growth, while protecting heritage and neighbourhood character. Ensure development lifts our city’s character instead of littering it with ugly, short-sighted builds.
Natural environment
Let’s protect and restore our bush, wetlands, and coast with locals leading the charge - planting, trapping, and bringing nature back. We can link up green spaces so wildlife thrives and people enjoy nature right on their doorstep. Let’s copy Wellington’s grassroots Predator Free success here in Waitematā. More rain gardens, green roofs, and trees to cool our streets, soak up stormwater, and back climate-smart infrastructure. Real resilience means working with nature, not against it.
Community
Strong communities don’t just happen - the best ones are built together and grow organically. I want our parks, libraries, and facilities to be welcoming and well looked after, and I’ll back locals to shape their own neighbourhoods through projects, events, and real decision-making. Let’s create places and opportunities for people of all ages, cultures, and interests to connect. Communities are stronger when everyone has a voice, a role, and a reason to join in.
Economic and cultural development
A strong local economy should look and feel like us—not just jobs, but pride in who we are. Let’s back local businesses with buzzy, safe town centres, events that actually get people out and about, and transport that makes it easy to get there. Support innovation, creative industries, and tourism that’s sustainable and celebrates our stories. And let’s work with iwi, artists, and community groups to put Māori and Pasifika culture front and centre.
Well-managed local government and outcomes for Māori
Let’s put being treaty partners into practice, working with iwi to bring te ao Māori into our decisions, our public spaces, and our projects. Open up more of the port so everyone can enjoy parks and the waterfront. Auckland’s Future Fund is our savings account – make sure we use it wisely to build a stronger, greener, more resilient city. And let’s back solid infrastructure and community-led preparation so we’re ready for whatever Mother Nature hurls our way.
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.