Yang Qu

Why I want to be elected Tell us what you will do if elected.

Local residents have been let down too long by wasteful spending in the form of inefficient project delivery and needless grants for special interest groups. As a business owner who has worked and built homes in the hibiscus coast subdivision for close to a decade I know how to keep to a budget and get things done effectively. By voting for me as a ACT local candidate you know I’ll stop wasteful spending, unnecessary grants allowing for lower rates, and actually getting things built.      

My key skills and qualities. What key skills and qualities will you bring to the role if elected.

As the director of a construction company with a background in electrical engineering, logical planning, sticking to budgets and deadlines is the bread and butter that I live by. With my experience in construction and pragmatic mindset I can ensure that basic infrastructure is built well and cost effectively. Moreover, as a business owner I know the hardships of running a local business allowing me to help support local businesses and economy effectively.  

My top three key issues. Tell us your top three key issues or priorities and why you are so passionate about them.

Less Waste- For too long our hard-earned rates and taxes are spent inefficiently, projects can be completed much more efficiently.

Focus on infrastructure- I believe that for a prosperous community we must have a strong economy, and the best way to support our local business is to provide better basic infrastructure.

Orewa Seawall- Orewa reserve is a monetarily valuable and key part of the community, bringing in traffic. why let it deteriorate when we can protect it for a portion of its value.

Transport. What are your priorities for roads, public transport, cycling, walking and other transport options?

I will be sticking to the basics, maintaining footpaths and the keeping things practical. I will focus on roads and infrastructure that are beneficial to most of society, opposing anti-car policies. I feel that roads and transportation should focus on practicality over ideology, less unnecessary speed bumps, road narrowing, and cycle paths which don’t reflect the needs of the majority. Cycle paths would not improve traffic so why build them excessively and waste budget.

Water. How do you think we should manage Auckland’s water, including supply, quality, stormwater and wastewater?

I will focus on clearing blocked drains, allowing for better usage of our current infrastructure. I will also build and improve the stormwater and wastewater systems which our community needs providing a reliable and affordable water system. Basic infrastructure is one of the main issues that I focus on, a failing stormwater system creating floods, and a less-than-optimal wastewater system impeding growth is simply not acceptable.

Built environment. What are your thoughts on Auckland’s urban development, housing, infrastructure and heritage protection?

I will support growth and oppose all unreasonable red tapes that block development, while making sure infrastructure keeps up. We need healthy and steady growth as a society, supporting urban development around our local transport hubs and economic centres creates a stronger local economy. Therefore, increases usage of basic infrastructure such as public transportation, and roads. – Building where it makes sense and most needed so Auckland can grow without driving up rates.

Natural environment. Share your ideas for protecting and enhancing Auckland’s natural spaces, biodiversity and climate resilience.

I’ll back local pest control, coastal protection, and better flood management – but stop wasting money on political climate projects that don’t deliver for the environment. Focus should be on practical work that benefits nature and protects communities, for example the Orewa seawall. Our local volunteer groups are the epitome of what is worthy of praise and support delivering results not only benefiting the environment but also saving costs giving a significant discount to ratepayers.

Community. How do you plan to build strong, connected communities and improve local services, facilities and community wellbeing?

I’ll get the basics right – fix walkways, maintain community centers and libraries, and support practical local events that bring people together without pushing politics. Well-run facilities and safe public spaces are the foundation of strong communities; I will also advocate to support our amazing volunteer groups that give their time and effort to make our communities safer and happier places to live and raise families in.

Economic and cultural development. Share your vision for boosting economic growth, supporting local businesses and promoting our cultural heritage.

I’ll work with local businesses and business associations to revitalize town centers, provide better basic infrastructure, and cut red tape facilitating markets, events, and getting a license. This is the purpose on which I run, efficiently deliver improved infrastructure, facilitating growth, improving local economy, resulting in a prosperous society. As someone who has lived in Canada, America, China, and New Zealand supporting multiculturalism while keeping cultural heritage defines me. 

Well-managed local government and outcomes for Māori. Share your ideas for delivering Māori outcomes, managing the Port of Auckland, growing the Auckland Future Fund or supporting storm recovery.

All residents should be treated equally sharing the same rights, opportunities, and benefits. I’ll campaign to remove the voting rights of unelected Independent Māori Statutory Board members on council committees and will actively oppose any attempts to implement race-based benefits, grants, and special interests. Strategic assets like the Port and Future Fund must be run efficiently to lower rates, strengthen resilience, and stop waste.