Ngā kaitono poari ā-rohe 2025Local board candidates 2025

Whau Local Board

Labour

Candidate statement

Avondale dad, Kelston old boy, and the voice of your bus, train and ferry commute. Whau needs more and improved green spaces with facilities like built shade, drinking fountains and toilets that make gathering with family and friends more attractive. Staying on track with our tree planting. The work to increase canopy cover for future generations is ongoing. Better public transport, light sequencing and safe biking and walking paths will reduce congestion, increase independence and connection. A healthy city is one that has options to move around easily. Push for equitable funding to protect our community assets from being sold. Increase funding for the arts as well as our local services especially the libraries, hubs and houses to deliver the programs and events we all love. Ensuring that our town centres are people focussed, attractive and safe. A connected community is a safer and happier community.

Whau Local Board

Labour

Candidate statement

As a proud long-time resident of Whau, I'm deeply committed to our community. My children attend local schools and play sports here, and I'm passionate about giving back to the place we call home. As a finance professional and owner of a Driving Miss Daisy franchise, I'm dedicated to supporting our diverse and vibrant community for future generations. I serve on the Auckland Council's Ethnic Communities Advisory Panel, the Waitākere Ethnic Board, and the Auckland Interfaith Council. Currently training to become a Justice of Peace, I speak four languages, allowing me to connect with and advocate for people from all backgrounds. As a Board Member of the Whau River Catchment Trust, I contribute to environmental efforts including tree planting and river restoration in Whau. I believe in a fresh, positive, inclusive future. Your Vote for me is for one that listens and represents. Whau Labour is your progressive local voice.

Whau Local Board

Independent

Candidate statement

AJC racecourse closes in 2026. High rise towers and terraced housing are planned to blanket the racecourse land. While I support intensification around Avondale/New Lynn town centres, we also need public green spaces. We must fight to retain the sports fields for our children/grandchildren, and ensure Avondale Market's survival. Please support me in our campaign to preserve our largest green space as our top Whau public park. Other goals are to finish Te Whau Pathway and Avondale Community Centre/Library projects. Blockhouse Bay and Green Bay town centres need upgrading and New Lynn needs its Crown Lynn Park. I am an experience Independent candidate with a common sense approach. I am a strong community advocate with a proven track record of achievement in Whau community affairs. Community experience includes Finance Committee Chair on both Waitakere and Auckland Councils, Whau Councillor and Portage Trust President. I've lived in Titirangi for 60 years.

Whau Local Board

Voice of the People

Candidate statement

We're standing for the Whau Local Board as independents under "Voice of the People" with no political affiliations. We bring an independent oversight and perspective to Board decisions. We are committed Christians treating everyone equally with compassion, empathy, and are called to have 'no fear'. Working and standing together is Gods gift to us. We bring many terms of previous service both here and in Canterbury. We have an insight and understanding of local body workings. While listening and presenting at board, council and 10 year plan meetings, my voice is not heard about how any where my rates are being spent, on events, infrastructure without accountability, and being told there is no money for the Whau ward. Representatives language to the Mayor, and other Councillors is disrespectful. Ratepayers seem to feel intimidated about speaking publicly, I have to question where it is going and are our representatives standing up?

Whau Local Board

Voice of the People

Candidate statement

My Wife Kathryn and I are standing for the Whau Local board as independents under our own brand of 'Voice of the People'. We have no affiliations to any of the political parties and will bring an independent oversight and perspective to Board decisions. We are both committed Christians and treat everyone equally with love, compassion and empathy. We bring many terms of previous service both here in Auckland and Canterbury, so we know how local bodies works. Local boards have been dominated by political party ideologies for decades and have not produced productive decision making for our communities. Rates monies are delivered to groups based on their popularity with party candidates rather than what they provide to our communities. We will hold bureaucrat decision making accountable, such as the proliferation of speed tables and bumps everywhere, and stand up against the behind 'closed door' rubber stamping by Boards.

Whau Local Board

Independent

Candidate statement

My home is in Avondale - where I grew up and attended the local schools. My professional background is in librarianship and social research. As a past Avondale Community Board member and current Whau Local Board member, I've twenty-seven years' experience in working for the benefit of our Whau neighbourhoods. As an Independent, who is committed to representing the hopes and needs of the people of the Whau, I support environmental restoration, accessible parks & recreation amenities, and the provision of a new swimming pool. My aspirations for the Whau are: Increased green spaces; reliable and affordable public transport; safe neighbourhoods; encouragement for our youth; practical assistance for older residents; and comprehensive library services. I also support The Living Wage and honour Te Tiriti. I oppose the sale of public assets. I stand on my record of reliable report-back to the community. Please vote for me for open local democracy.

Whau Local Board

Candidate statement

I am standing for the Whau Local Board to bring fresh ideas and strategic development to our community . As a long-time West Auckland resident - living with my family here for over 20 years. End the monopoly, bring ethnic diversity in Auckland council board. I believe it’s time to end the status quo and bring new energy and representation to the board, especially by increasing ethnic diversity and cultural understanding at the decision-making level. With a strong background in large corporate sectors, I bring strategic thinking and vision to ensure better planning and more efficient use of ratepayers’ funds. Our community urgently needs improvements in infrastructure, roads, schools, local business support, public transport, and crime prevention. I am passionate about advocating for these priorities to help make Whau a safer, smarter, and stronger place to live. Together, let’s build a better future for Whau.

Whau Local Board

Labour

Candidate statement

I was raised in Kelston and attended St Mary’s in Avondale. My family has proudly served in the Whau community for over 40 years. I’m passionate about Māori and Pasifika empowerment. Our parks, streams, and reserves are the energy of our community. I’m committed to protecting and enhancing our green spaces for future generations to enjoy. I believe in the strength of locally led solutions that reflect the unique cultures, voices, and needs of each community. Strengthening our community preparedness and our local hubs is a priority, a drive shaped by my time managing the Kelston Community Hub during the 2023 floods. Our elders are the heart of our community. My proudest initiative was founding the local Māori and Pasefika elders group, so they feel connected, and valued. Whau Labour brings the right balance, diversity, and a progressive voice for you.

Whau Local Board

Labour

Candidate statement

Kia Orana! I’m Fania Kapao, and I’m honoured to be running for the Whau Local Board! I grew up in Avondale, attended St Mary’s, went to the Sunday Market and played sports at the racecourse. Two decades later, I watch my siblings do the same. I’m standing to uplift rangatahi like them, to give back to the place that raised me and help brighten the future of this community. I’m committed to social justice, equity, and community-led change. I served as a Youth MP, on the Whau Youth Board, mentored at-risk youth and advocated for the welfare of postgraduate students as their elected Vice-president at Auckland University’s Student Association. I now work as a union organiser, supporting workers across Tāmaki Makaurau alongside finishing my Master’s in Indigenous Studies. I may be young, but I share a deep love for our Whau and want to bring fresh perspectives to our board.

Whau Local Board

Candidate statement

I live in Glen Eden, a plumber and local small business owner, married and parent of two teenagers. I am different from the other candidates, not a politician or from a corporate background. Throughout my career I have been able to work with a large diverse group of people and organisations, this has helped me be a clear communicator and problem solver, I get things done. I will bring leadership that reflects our values and voices from our neighbours, communities and families, being responsible and accountable. Priorities: Advocate for more of our rates being invested locally and sensibly; Engage with our local community by listening to concerns and acting on them; Being approachable and accountable to all. I understand how we expect our council to be relevant and complete its core services well, and how we all struggle with increasing rates, rents and cost of living.

Whau Local Board

Candidate statement

This community has been ours for 24 years. It’s where my husband and I have raised our two children, forged lifelong friendships, and discovered our purpose. Our extended families also stay here, and we proudly call this our neighbourhood our Home. A home is where the heart is. It is now our turn to give back. My vision is for a strong, safe, and inclusive Whau where every voice is valued. I bring a deep community spirit, collaborative leadership, and a passion for service. Ask yourself: Are you sick of seeing your house values drop while rates keep climbing? Are you frustrated watching money drained into projects that make no sense? Are you tired of "left vs right" discussions at local boards? The right decisions for residents should be grounded in good sense and common purpose. That’s why I stand as an independent candidate. Here for you!

Whau Local Board

Labour

Candidate statement

As a lifelong advocate for social justice and inclusion, my work as a local volunteer, practising lawyer, and trained mediator gives me insights to offer a Whau Local Board team serving the community we love. My wife, daughter and I are longtime residents of Green Bay. My degrees in Law, Commerce, and Public Policy, including a Master of Laws (Hons) and a Master of Public Policy (First Class Honours), reflect my deep commitment to public service. I’ve volunteered in grassroots rugby for over a decade, currently with Suburbs Juniors, and support local schools and families. I’m a strong advocate for disabled, local, and migrant communities, pushing for better access, equity, and inclusion across local life. I’ll work to protect our libraries and green spaces, help deliver the Whau pool, and build safer, more connected communities where everyone belongs and is heard. Whau Labour is your progressive local voice.

Whau Local Board

Independent

Candidate statement

An independent and community-focused voice, I don’t answer to any political party and will work with anyone committed to building a better Whau. I’m a current Whau Local Board member and former Chair of the New Lynn Business Association. I bring experience delivering for the Whau, where my family and I are proud to call home. If elected, I’ll advocate to retain green space at Avondale Racecourse, deliver an aquatic and recreation centre, enhance our waterways and environment, and improve transport options and infrastructure, including advocating for the Avondale-Southdown rail line. I’ll also work to create safer, more vibrant town centres, plan sensibly for future growth, and support local business and economic development. With your support, I’ll remain a dedicated, independent voice focused on real progress and local outcomes, making the Whau a thriving place to live and work. Let’s put the future of the Whau first. Vote Piper.

Whau Local Board

Labour

Candidate statement

'The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others' said Mahatma Gandhi. I am a strong believer in the importance of community, and I am honoured to have led the Whau Local Board as Chair over recent years to improve community and environmental outcomes. My work in the community includes being a volunteer at New Lynn Citizen Advice Bureau, on the Waitakere Citizens Advice Bureau Board and the Literacy Waitakere Board. I am also Patron of Whau Ethnic Collective. Of Te Ati Awa and Pakeha descent, I have two Masters degrees and a background in secondary teaching and management, including at Kelston Girls and as Deputy Principal at Mount Roskill Grammar School. I will continue to use my skills and experience to build a connected safe Whau community focussed on improving the wellbeing of Whau residents. Whau Labour is your progressive local voice.

Whau Local Board

Labour

Candidate statement

Kia ora, I’m RJ Thomson. I’m a proud māmā of three daughters and kuia to three mokopuna. I’m standing for the Whau Local Board because I’ve lived the hardship many still face - homelessness, struggle, and the search for dignity. Today, I lead the Whau Homeless Network, using lived experience to amplify the voices of the unheard. I Co-ordinate the Glenavon Community Hub, serve on the New Windsor Community Hub Governance board, and I'm the Māori Chair Representative for the Kai West Collective - advocating for affordable, nutritious kai for every whānau. As costs rise, too many are being left behind. I’ll advocate for housing equity, rangatahi-focused initiatives, food security, and stronger local outreach. He aha te mea nui o te ao? He tāngata, he tāngata, he tāngata.The greatest thing in this world is people. Whau Labour stands for bold, compassionate leadership - because our community deserves nothing less.

Whau Local Board

Independent

Candidate statement

Kia ora e te whānau, My name is Almo Wong, and I am a proud Chinese Kiwi with deep roots in the Whau community. I grew up here, attending Blockhouse Bay Primary and Intermediate, followed by Avondale College. Professionally, I’ve worked as an electrical engineer, project manager, and policy maker. I’m a good listener and a practical problem solver. I’m passionate about giving back to the community. I’ve previously volunteered with the ambulance service in New Lynn, and I currently serve as a Justice of the Peace at the New Lynn Citizens Advice Bureau (CAB). I’m standing for the Whau Local Board because I want to help our community continue to thrive and ensure that future generations can enjoy the same strong, supportive upbringing that I was fortunate to have. Let’s make Whau the best community in Auckland! Kia kaha, Almo Wong