I'm pleased to announce that I intend to stand for the Howick Local Board and Auckland Council in the elections this October.
I'm proud of the work we've done on the Howick Local Board over the past three years. I've enjoyed the privilege of being the Chairperson, leading the Board through some significant challenges and rewarding successes.
Faced with budget cuts and growing population, we've made robust financial decisions, leading to less reliance on rates and enabling us to do more with less. We asked the public what they wanted us to focus on and then we delivered. We're more transparent and accountable with increased communication, visibility, and opening our workshops to the public.
It's been a privilege to serve as one of the Members for Botany (including Flat Bush) over the past three years. We've worked hard to address the gaps, especially where the infrastructure hasn't kept pace with the population growth. By working with community partners we've done more and built a strong foundation for the future.
We opened Te Taiwhanga Taiohi East Auckland Youth Space, delivered safety improvements focused around schools, and have made real progress on the long awaited Community Centre and Library. The recently announced temporary library will provide space for our communities to connect and grow, as we work on the permanent facilities.
And Flat Bush residents will now get the representation they deserve with three Members on the Howick Local Board.
But the work isn't finished and I intend to stand again for the Howick Local Board as a candidate for Botany where I live, in the heart of East Auckland.
It’s been a privilege to serve the diverse communities of Howick, Pakūranga, Botany, and Flat Bush. I've seen local government at its best, empowering communities and embracing the incredible diversity of the people who call this city home.
I love this mahi (work), its localism at its finest. Acknowledging the importance of local communities and their involvement in decisions that affect them. Supporting local businesses, strengthening community bonds, and fostering a sense of place and belonging. Local Boards can achieve all of this and more but they've been held back by poor policy and execution across council.
After 15 years we're still struggling with the basics like financial transparency and effective communication. It's symptomatic of a council that isn't living up to the promise of the super city. While it's been great to see Auckland push back to Government on unfunded mandates and unreasonable consultation timeframes, too often local boards suffer the same under council.
At a local level we see the impact of an organisation not structured to respond to local needs with outdated leases, poor enforcement, and even small issues requiring endless follow up.
At a regional level we're facing significant challenges of housing intensification, climate change, and an uncertain economic outlook.
The last few years have proven to me yet again that the systemic issues at council are holding this city and its people back.
Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland deserves a more ambitious, disciplined, and diverse council. We need representatives who understand their communities and invest the time to listen to their residents, not just at election time.
I know our city has the potential to be incredible as I've seen glimpses of it. With the right people around the council table, we can achieve it. That's why I'm standing again for one of the two Councillors for the Howick Ward (which includes Howick, Pakūranga, Botany and Flat Bush).
I have proven that I will work tirelessly for my community. I want to use my skills and experience to help our city. I’m grateful for the support I received when I stood in 2018, 2019, and 2022. It would be an honour and a privilege to serve as East Auckland's representative on council.
I will continue to be highly visible, results driven, and truly independent. I will utilise my passion for community, my experience in governance, and my knowledge of council to deliver for every resident of East Auckland.