By Times Team

Copyright times

Krish Naidu says he’s “proud” to stand as a candidate for a Flat Bush subdivision seat on the Howick Local Board in the Auckland Council elections that close on October 11.

“I live right here amongst you – I walk the same streets, face the same challenges, and, like you, I want the very best for our community,” says Naidu.

“That’s why, if elected, I will faithfully put Flat Bush’s interests first on the Howick Local Board – the largest in Auckland.”

Flat Bush is one of the city’s fastest-growing suburbs and local resident Naidu says its growth must be matched by facilities, infrastructure, and opportunities that “truly support residents”.

“Flat Bush deserves its fair share,” he says, emphasising the urgent need for facilities such as a public library, community centre, and aquatic and leisure hub.

Born in Fiji and arriving in Auckland as an international student at 15, Naidu has called this area home for more than 25 years.

The 40-year-old says he brings “decades of grassroots community service, governance, and leadership, with deep involvement in youth, education, ethnic, Pacific, and civic sectors”.

Naidu’s served this term as co-chair of the council’s Ethnic Communities Advisory Panel.

He’s an appointed member of Health NZ’s Northern Regional Consumer Council, and an elected school board member for Ormiston Primary, Junior, and Senior College.

Naidu is president of the Fiji Girmit Foundation NZ, a White Ribbon Ambassador, a youth mentor with the YES programme, and a senior business lecturer and programme manager.

He’s also a trustee and patron for several ethnic and Pacific organisations.

Naidu says he stands for “better ratepayer value and respect for residents”.

“Smarter, sustainable infrastructure and road safety upgrades. Improved public transport access and completion of key projects like the Eastern Busway and Airport Rapid Transit.

“Support for local businesses and revitalisation of Ormiston Town Centre. Weekly rubbish collection and stronger action against illegal dumping.

“Cleaner, safer parks with better facilities. Greater investment in multicultural events and programmes that reflect Flat Bush’s diversity.

“Enhanced community safety with better lighting, CCTV, and stronger collaboration with police and local groups.”

Naidu says he also prioritises “genuine civic engagement – many residents feel disconnected from council decisions”.

“I’ll take decision-making to the people. That means more local forums, outreach to diverse communities, translation of key information, and digital platforms that make it easier to participate.

“We must move away from ‘tick-box consultation’ and toward genuine engagement where residents shape the outcomes.”