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 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.
Why I want to be elected
I'll advocate for nature-based flood management solutions and increased tree canopy. I’ll support the establishment of a citizens' assembly similar to Wellington, alongside multilingual community forums, youth councils, and ensure transparent governance. I'll support investment in transport – better bus and rail services and safer walking/cycling options for Whau residents.
My key skills and qualities
I bring 14+ years of creative leadership and stakeholder engagement from my design career. My experience developing social impact strategies, problem-solving, systems thinking, strategic planning, and working with diverse communities translates directly to council work. I excel at communication, project management, and turning complex information into clear, compelling narratives.
My top three key issues
Climate resilience: Whau has 18% tree canopy, needs 30% for flood protection. Climate change hits vulnerable communities first, displacing families from their neighbourhoods. Protecting public spaces: Ensure community facilities are well-maintained through funding asset management plans Te Hono/ Avondale Community Hub: Supporting the completion of this integrated library and community centre in Avondale, it has been long overdue.
My position on key topics
Transport
- Advocate for efficient urban links into the City Rail Link stations for its opening in 2026 - Supporting the transition to the National Ticketing Solution (NTS) / Motu Move - Delivering the renewal programme for our assets, including road pavement, streets, public transport assets, and bridges - Encouraging the expansion of the Fareshare scheme - Developing a time-of-use charging scheme to cut congestion
Water
- Renewing and upgrading our stormwater asset infrastructure - Boosting maintenance of both the pipe and stream stormwater networks to improve drainage capacity and prevent blockages. - Investing in new planning, monitoring, and modelling tools while continually updating existing tools to assess and communicate flood risk. - Supporting communities to take action to reduce their own flood risk and ensuring Aucklanders know what to do before, during, and after a flood.
Built environment
- Work with Kāinga Ora and the Ministry of Housing & Urban Development to progress infrastructure investment in the Auckland Housing Programme areas - Planning for and investing in neighbourhoods to strengthen communities - Facilitating improvements to the city centre precincts, integrating the City Rail Link, to increase footfall to the city centre, improve safety & community experience. - Strengthening our partnership with central government to access funding for developing our infrastructure
Natural environment
- Increase resource recovery facilities around the region - Continue the Natural Environment Targeted Rate (NETR). - Supporting Council’s “Three Bins” system to reduce food and landfill waste, and cutting down on emissions - Supporting the Shoreline Adaptation plan to protect our environment, community need,s and keeping our coastal areas safe and healthy
Community
- Developing the Te Whau Pathway and construction of the boardwalks, bridges, and concrete paths between Roberts Field and State Highway 16. - Pushing the completion of Te Hono / Avondale Community Centre replacement to create an integrated library and community centre hub in Avondale. - Partner with community groups and other organisations to deliver investment required to transform the community portfolio - Supporting fairer funding for local boards.
Economic and cultural development
- Ensuring our public venues receive the critical infrastructure renewals they require to address health and safety risks and issues arising from aging infrastructure - Continue to deliver large cultural events such as Pasifika and the Lantern Festival, and encourage small local events as well - Progressing the work towards a bed tax - Secure international and domestic concerts, sports, and other events for our residents and to drive out-of-town visitation and investment in Auckland’s economy
Well-managed local government and outcomes for Māori
- Reflecting mana whenua mātauranga and Māori design principles throughout Auckland - Partner with mana whenua and mātāwaka to support disaster resilience of iwi and Māori. - Use fit-for-purpose technology to deliver better and more efficient services. Continued storm recovery and response activities, including property buyouts. - Reducing corporate emissions within Council, i.e replacing gas boilers and installing solar panels where feasible