I’m committed to helping build a future for Waitākere that’s safer, more equitable, and genuinely sustainable. That’s why I’m standing for strong climate planning. Both to reduce the impacts of climate change and to manage them when they happen in future.

Climate change isn’t something far away, it’s here, and it’s urgent. But I truly believe we can tackle it together. The great news is that thanks to the forward planning of the former Waitakere City Council, we have great bones to build from.  I’m keen to do the hard work, collaborate with good people, and protect this environment that sustains us all.

With climate action at the centre, my top three priorities are bold, but not out of reach. I’ll continue to deliver the Auckland Climate Action Plan (ACAP) and ensure climate resilience remains central to all Council decision-making.

Fix congestion:

• Support initiatives that help get people out of cars and onto buses, bikes, and trains.

• Bring back half-price fares, connect more neighbourhoods with key transport hubs, and get bikes out of traffic and onto safe, protected lanes.

• Advocate for sorting out level crossings out West. This will help traffic flow and support increasing train frequency.

• I’m also keen to keep up the fight for the northwestern busway and train improving service beyond Henderson.

• Advocate for the Healthy Streets Framework to guide Council planning and infrastructure. This will make streets safer for kids and more pleasant for everyone.

Protect Nature:

• Continue to protect our Ranges Heritage Area – Te Wao Nui a Tiriwa and advance the Dark Sky Sanctuary across our stunning west coast parks.

• Support the amazing community groups restoring habitats for native species: from planting and trapping to education, rescue, and rehabilitation.

• Fight for ongoing investment in infrastructure that keeps our beaches safe for swimming year-round and supports a thriving moana.

• Support the building of Te Henga marae and papakāinga, and amplify the leadership of Te Kawerau ā Maki by upholding their values in local decision-making.

Safe Communities:

• Deliver meaningful climate action and help communities adapt by securing budget for upgrades to parks, reserves, and waterways.

• Amplify the voices of, and get out of the way, for local residents, collectives, mana whenua and environmental groups to lead in the areas they know best.

• Back our Civil Defence and emergency management teams with the tools, training, and hubs needed to keep our communities prepared and ensure no one gets left behind.

• Support initiatives aimed at looking after you, both in town centres and at home. Taking a holistic view that reduces harm and increases wellbeing.  Like supporting at risk groups, things for people to see and do, helping our businesses thrive, and supporting local jobs.

I also have longer-term projects, that with your help, I’d love to bring to life. These are big-picture ideas that will take more than one term to realise. Such as putting a stop to urban sprawl and protecting the green belt in the foothills. Advocating for better urban ecology planning using a framework like the Allotments Act framework. To enable proactive acquisition of green space for our neighbourhoods as the population grows, but not at nature’s expense. I’d also love to see Council support schools with civics education, alongside the enviro-schools programme that’s already in place. This is something I never had, so I realise how important it is that future generations are equipped for informed, just decision-making.

Remember you can get in touch if you have anything you love, hate, or want to create in your neighbourhood here https://forms.office.com/r/U4JbJCRnd5