Transport:

We don’t need more reports. We need follow-through:

* Fund and finish the construction of the Eastern Busway. 

* Fix pedestrian safety at Te Irirangi Dr, Flat Bush School Rd, Chapel Rd, and Thomas Rd – too many near-misses.

* Push for more sheltered bus stops – especially for school routes.

* Tackle off-street parking in Flat Bush to reduce traffic overflow. And it’s not about blaming those that park, it’s about solving the problem we all share. 

Water:

Flooding, erosion, and littering is a rising concern for drains, East Tamaki River, and other waterways. There’s already some good progress but let’s continue. I will work with community leaders in organising one community trash clean-ups every one or two months, upholding our wetland buffers, and holding Watercare and Council accountable with clearer timelines, budget transparency, and easier public reporting of illegal dumping.

Built Environment:

Growth should be people-first: transparent, efficient, and future-focused. So locals know what’s happening and why. I’ll:

* make sure Howick Local Board’s long-term plan and meeting outcomes are properly communicated with the public and developers.

* Be the enforcer for updates on unfinished footpaths or missing bus shelters.

* Protect our remaining heritage buildings in Howick Village and East Tamaki by inviting local residents and organisations to the decision-making process.

Natural Environment:

The bottom line is: economic growth and environmental growth should go hand-in-hand and not compromise one other. We can have BOTH.

I’ll back conservation groups restoring native bush and support school projects promoting awareness and action on protecting our natural environment without compromising economic growth, working with other local board members and local community leaders that cherish our environment. I’ll also back co-designing eco projects with developers before they start building. 

Community:

Strong communities are made in the moments we share. I’ll champion for more funding and help organisations apply for such funding for both targeted events (by age, ethnicity, profession, etc.) and all-inclusive gatherings (family events, markets, and festivals), like in Barry Curtis Park.

Easy access to info is key, I will set up a Flat Bush Community Calendar (online and other formats) with monthly events with support from libraries, East Auckland Tourism, and local organisations I’m in.

Economic and cultural development:

I believe local businesses know their stuff best. Instead of making all decisions for them, government ought to provide stewardship and create an environment where each local business can thrive – with the right tools, light-touch rules, and council support that actually helps. 

We have strong migrant presence in Flat Bush, myself included, and I wish to reflect that in cultural markets, workshops, and events. And I’ll be sure to include our youth leaders to help connect our communities.

Well-managed local government and outcomes for Māori:

Stronger ties = stronger outcomes. I’m here to strengthen ties between our Māori and non-Māori brethren through shared Kaupapa, events, and decision-making. We all share the vision of a prosperous, safe, healthy, and diverse Howick built on aroha. Unity is about celebrating what makes us unique while working toward the same future.