Disclaimer
The information on this page has been provided by the candidates. It does not reflect the views or positions of Auckland Council.
Sarah PATERSON-HAMLIN
Candidate for 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.
Why I want to be elected
If elected, I will bring energy, experience, local perspective, and a strong sense of community to the role. I will prioritise improving accessibility for tangata whaikaha/disabled people, meeting the climate challenge, keeping communities safe and inclusive, and honouring Te Tiriti o Waitangi. I will advocate passionately for Whau, including for transport choice, adequate green space, the progression of the Whau Pool, and the completion of Te Hono.
My key skills and qualities
I have spent the last decade working in the disabilities and charities sectors, including in leadership roles, following on from extensive volunteering in the charities sector and completing a PhD in Literature. As a result, I am able to approach issues with thoughtfulness, nuance, and practicality, managing competing interests when budgets are tight, knowing which questions to ask and what evidence to seek, and how to apply compassion and empathy to complex challenges.
My top three key issues
Accessibility: with professional and personal experience in the disabilities sector, I am passionate about what local government can do to improve Auckland's accessibility Sustainability: Auckland is already experiencing the impact of climate change, and there is more we can be doing to play our part in creating a more sustainable city. Safety: everyone deserves to feel safe in their community, and public amenities, strong communities, and adequate green space all contribute to that goal.
My position on key topics
Transport
Transport choice is crucial. Not everyone is going to be able to or want to drive, take a bus, a train, cycle, or walk in every circumstance - we need a city that allows for us to make these choices as and when we need them. By providing more protected cycle lanes and investing in public transport, we can reduce congestion on our roads, pressure on our car parks, and allow for different preferences, budgets, and abilities. Transport choice works for everyone.
Water
With most of Auckland's water supply coming from outside the region, this is going to be a significant area of concern in the coming years, and we need to think long-term so that our children and grandchildren can have access to a safe water supply. The health of our waterways is precious, and something we can't get back if we squander. I will work for the health of our waterways from micro waterway projects like the one I've commenced with my neighbours, to big decisions around marine reserves.
Built environment
For decades, Auckland has built out rather than up, leading to enormous sprawl, long journeys for all of us to access the parts of the city we need to, reduction in green spaces, arable land, and other crucial elements. There are many benefits to medium and high density provisions in central areas and along transit corridors, but these must also be planned for with respect to flood plains, maintaining adequate green space, viewshafts, and acknowledging the role of heritage where appropriate.
Natural environment
Housing provision is essential in our biggest city, but the flooding events of 2023 reinforced the need to balance this with enough permeable surfaces to prevent such disasters continuing to occur. Natural spaces are crucial for biodiversity and the health of our environment, but also for the mental health and wellbeing and community connections of our human population. Organisations like Ecomatters make an extraordinary contribution to the health of Auckland's environment and must be supported.
Community
Strong, connected communities are facilitated by places, spaces, and opportunities that respond to a range of ages, backgrounds, needs, and interests, and which do not require a high cost or access barrier to visit and connect with others. Sport and recreation, the arts and creativity, educational opportunities, and places to reach out for support are all part of the landscape that local government needs to provide and strengthen to support the wellbeing of our diverse communities.
Economic and cultural development
Private, public, and charities sectors all contribute an enormous amount to our economic and cultural development as a city, and all three need to be supported for the health of an economy. Our town centres across Auckland are all unique, and the role of the BIDs is important for their development and representation, their inidivdual needs, and their opportunities for growth and sustainability. I support investment in events, transport in and around centres, and placemaking initiatives.
Well-managed local government and outcomes for Māori
Sever weather events are an increasing inevitability of our future, and climate resilience for our communities is vital, as is preventative measures such as protecting permeable spaces and reducing emissions. Honouring Te Tiriti o Waitangi is central to my vision and will form a crucial pillar of my mahi in Council. I commit to honouring te reo Māori, local iwi, the full and diverse history of our rohe, and Te Tiriti in my 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.