Ngā kaitono ā-rohe pōti 2025Ward candidates 2025

Whau Ward

Voice of the People

Candidate statement

I am standing for the Whau Ward as an independent under our own brand of "Voice of the People". I have no Party political affiliations and will bring an independent oversight and perspective to Council decision making. As a committed Christian, I treat everyone equally with love, compassion and empathy. I bring many terms of previous service here in Auckland and Canterbury on Local and Community Boards, so I know local body workings. Council is dominated by political party ideologies and has 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, and wastage is rife causing substantial unnecessary annual rates rises. I will hold bureaucratic decision making accountable, such as the proliferation of speed tables and bumps everywhere, and stand up against the behind 'closed door' rubber stamping by committees.

Whau Ward

Green Party

Candidate statement

I'm a South Indian, queer woman living with double hip dysplasia, and I've called Auckland home since 2011. My lived experience with discrimination and being overlooked fuels my commitment to a Whau where everyone is valued and supported. As a creative leader with over a decade in design and storytelling, I've championed BIPOC and LGBTQIA+ communities through my work, amplifying voices that are too often ignored, challenging narrow ideas of success, and working with communities for real change. Whau is growing, but too many are being left behind. Rising rents, shortage of suitable homes, and underfunded services make life harder for families, elders, and tamariki. I am running for Whau Ward Councillor to advocate for affordable housing, strong public infrastructure, and real opportunities for our rangatahi. I am here to listen and work alongside you to make Whau and Auckland a place where everyone feels welcome and included.

Whau Ward

WestWards

Candidate statement

As an experienced maintenance and diagnostics engineer, I’m trained to identify faults, trace causes, and deliver solutions. I’m now bringing that same hands-on, no-nonsense mindset to local government. I care about what matters most: Core Services. That means infrastructure, roads, public facilities – the essentials we all rely on and pay for. I believe in prioritising necessities over vanity projects, and backing local contractors to meet local needs – so every ratepayer dollar works harder. In my world, 'near enough' isn’t good enough – and it shouldn’t be in Council either. I’ll speak up, challenge waste, fight against bureaucracy, and push for transparency and accountability. I will be your voice at the table. No spin. No games. If you want a Councillor who will roll up their sleeves, work hard, and restore common sense to Council – I’m here to represent you. Vote WestWards for effective representation across West Auckland.

Whau Ward

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 Ward

Labour

Candidate statement

Kia ora, I’m Sarah Paterson-Hamlin, and I’m standing for Council because I believe in local government that invests in its people. I live, work, and raise my children in Whau, where they attend a local school in a Te Reo Māori bilingual pathway. I’ve spent ten years in leadership roles across disability and community sectors and it’s taught me how to listen, problem-solve, and deliver when budgets are tight. As a Whau Local Board member, I’ve worked to establish accessible public spaces, environmental protections, progressing Te Hono and the Whau Pool, safer roads for all users, and stronger relationships with community organisations. I will build on this work as your Ward Councillor and ensure our neighbourhoods thrive with reliable public transport, cleaner waterways, adequate green space, and improved infrastructure. I have a strong work ethic and will be a compassionate, determined voice for all our community at the Council table.

Whau Ward

Independent

Candidate statement

As a proud Asian Kiwi with over 24 years of living experience in Auckland, I firmly believe in the values of hard work and dedication. Having navigated life on a low-income, I’m now raising my young family in Auckland and drawing from my own experiences to drive positive change. With a successful career in renovation and leadership of a startup AI company. I’ve demonstrated my strong management skills and talent for driving innovation. My election campaign focuses on supporting low-income and middle-class families as we work together to overcome the current economic challenges. I firmly believe every Aucklander deserves a safe living environment and the city’s support to thrive. However, I’m concerned our communities are being left vulnerable and the current economic challenges will push our young people and families further into debt or difficulties in life.