Damian Light is the only newcomer joining the membership of the incoming Howick Local Board.
He’s been elected to serve on the board representing the Botany subdivision.
- ‘Local board’s fresh face keen to serve’, Times 10 October 2022

It's an absolute honour to be elected to represent my community on the Howick Local Board. I love living in Botany, at the heart of East Auckland and I’m thrilled to have the opportunity to serve my community.

I know we've got our challenges and I'm prepared to tackle them with professionalism, transparency and determination. I've attended countless Local Board meetings so have some appreciation of what the job will be like and look forward to being on the decision making side shortly.

Last term was a challenge for local boards, as council slashed budgets and stalled projects when they ran out of money. I'm a firm believer in robust financial discipline and have professional experience in eliminating waste. I also know that we need to invest wisely to better utilise what we’ve got and build what we don’t have. Flat Bush Library and Community Centre is a key priority for me and I will do everything I can to see it delivered as soon as we can - we’ve waited long enough.

I will continue to advocate for better transport, including a sensible resolution to the Burswood diversion. The new mayor is shaking things up and I hope this means we get a more responsive, cost effective Auckland Transport.

For over 15 years I’ve worked as a problem solver for large, complex organisations so I understand what it takes to drive change. Big organisations take a long time and a sustained effort to shift - I’m determined to help shape council into a more responsive, accountable and transparent organisation. In the meantime, I’ll do everything I can to help communicate and engage with the community I represent.

Read the whole article on the Times website: https://www.times.co.nz/news/local-boards-fresh-face-keen-to-serve/