By Chris Harrowell
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The Flat Bush and Ormiston communities of east Auckland are among the fastest growing, and most culturally diverse, parts of the country.
So it was fitting that the candidates who attended a public event in Flat Bush last Friday, staged as part of this year’s local elections, themselves represent that diversity, as did their multi-cultural audience.
The candidates are running for seats on the Howick Local Board in its four subdivisions of Howick, Pakuranga, Botany, and Flat Bush, and for Auckland Council in the Howick ward.
They faced questions about how they’d recognise, respect, and respond to the diverse cultural communities in Howick so everyone feels included and supported, and about the issues of rates, the cost of living, and fairness.
The event was staged by the Korean Positive Ageing Charitable Trust at the new St Paul’s in the Park Church in Barry Curtis Park and facilitated by Bernadette Pereira, who did a great job keeping the meeting on track and the candidates within their allocated speaking time.
More than 100 people turned out to hear from the candidates, each of whom was given one minute to introduce themselves and explain why they deserve the audience’s votes.
Council candidate Barry Jensen said rates need to be capped, the cost of living needs to be brought under control, and “people need to be able to budget for the increases that are coming, which means they need to know what they are”.
He called for a stop to wasteful spending and ensuring ratepayers’ money is put into fixing the basics first.
Council candidate Paul Young, whose campaign slogan is “Make Auckland Young Again”, said as a former councillor he knows how the council works and how to get things done.
Young said he helped to protect money used for construction of the Eastern Busway and the Flat Bush community swimming pool, library and community.
“My vision is clear. Better transport, safer communities with more CCTV, real transparency, so every ratepayer dollar is spent wisely, and stronger diversity in representation.”
ACT Local candidate Ali Dahche is standing for the council in the Howick ward and for the local board in its Botany subdivision.
Dahche said in east Auckland the roads are full of potholes and rates are rising while services are reducing. If elected, he would fight for the basics that make residents’ lives better.
Current Howick Local Board chairperson Damian Light is standing for re-election to the board in its Botany subdivision and for a council seat.
Light said he loves Auckland and thinks it’s a fantastic place to live, but the city is facing challenges including around population growth, climate change, intensification and “everything just keeps costing so much”.
“We need a council with councillors who are able to listen to their community, to understand the challenges, and are able to make good decisions on your behalf.”
The meeting then moved to the candidates standing for the local board in its Botany subdivision.
Mike Turinsky said local board members are the closest elected members to the community.
“I believe we should be right at the coal face, we should be connected and available to the community, and not just sitting around the board table.
“That’s something I’ve done for the last nine years on the board. What people need from board members is people who set aside politics, roll up our sleeves, and work together with people to get the job done for residents.”
Pereira told those in attendance that next up were the local board candidates in the Howick subdivision.
Adele White said she loves Howick and wants it to be safe, well-resourced, vibrant and welcoming for all ages, whilst its history and strong sense of community is preserved.
“I share our locals’ desire for a safe, clean, well-managed, sustainable and up-to-date Howick.”
ACT Local candidate William Goldberg said his vision for Howick is to open busways and cycle lanes that are sitting empty to Howick commuters.
“We need to get rates under control and ACT is the proven agent for change,” Goldberg said.
John Spiller said he has a passion for the environment, increasing urban tree cover, protecting endangered species, and advocating for council funding for coastal erosion.
“My other focus right now is to push hard to retain Howick’s important and historic character, which is currently under more threat than at any time in the past.”
Billy Davis immediately got the crowd on side by opening his comments in Korean.
He said: “I will fight for you. I’m a fighter. I will fight to listen to your voice, [and] your actions, your concerns will be taken to the local board, and taken to Auckland Council.”
The Flat Bush candidates for the Howick Local Board then had their turn.
Sonia Singh said Flat Bush is where she raised her family, supported local businesses, and built strong connections across the diverse community.
“I’m not here to make big promises. I’m here to listen, act, and be your voice at the table.
“Whether it’s the long-promised leisure centre, support for small businesses, or the rising council rates, I see the issue and I care. I’m not a politician. I am one of you.”
Next up was Prashant Belwalkar. He said he’s passionate about ensuring locals have better support, safer streets, quality parks and stronger community facilities.
His focus is on supporting families and “ensuring our diverse voices are heard in every decision”.
“A vote for me would bring in a strong, approachable and accountable voice for our community.
“Someone who listens, takes action, and works tirelessly to deliver real results for Flat Bush.”
Krish Naidu said Flat Bush has become a “concrete jungle”, people are leaving the community, and quality of life keeps depleting.
“We’ve been promised so much by the Howick Local Board and Auckland Council, but things have not been delivered. We must do better, Flat Bush deserves better.”
Peter Young said he’s served as a Justice of the Peace for 17 years and has been on the local board for three terms.
“I’m trying to become for the fourth time on the local board. Because I am the only Asian on the local board for nine years.
“I make good things happen and I will make everything happen in this area. You can see, the [temporary Flat Bush] library will be open next year.”
Kai Zeng, who’s standing alongside Peter Young on their ‘Healthy and Happy’ political ticket, said Flat Bush has over 45,000 residents, but it still lacks some basics.
He supports building the basics such as a library, swimming pool, youth hub, community hall, and sheltered bus stops.
He wants support for local businesses and events through council funding, partnerships, and a community event calendar.
“Protect the environment through regular clean-ups, stormwater planning, and safety patrols,” Zeng said.
“I’m here to make things happen with experience, digital smarts, and determination.”
Joseph Rebello said the local community deserves better service, future, and leadership.
It’s facing challenges around congestion and has no library or swimming pool or recreation centre, he said.
“We’re here not only to hear your voice, but to take action on it,” Rebello said.
“What has the council done? There is no transparency, no accountability, no engagement. Where is the consultation?
“We are here to connect and make Flat Bush stronger and connected.”
The meeting then turned to the candidates standing for the local board in the Pakuranga subdivision.
First up was Katrina Bungard, who said her priorities are that core services must come first, weekly rubbish collection, safe and clean public spaces and well-maintained facilities, sensible growth and development, recognising the need for more housing but not intensification without appropriate infrastructure, and listening and advocating for residents.
“I’m approachable, I listen, and I act.”
Jack Collins said he’s frustrated with congestion in east Auckland.
“We need smarter parking solutions, we need to retain rubbish collection, and real action to protect our waterways and natural environment,” Collins said.
“I believe Auckland needs more housing, but not at the expense of development where they don’t fit or there’s not proper infrastructure.”
Wayne Huang said he’s involved with Farm Cove Intermediate School, Bucklands Beach Yacht Club, and Saint Kentigern College.
“I dedicate my time, my effort and management to our local community.”
He said he stands for community safety, sensible property development, and supporting local schools and youth.
Sarah Kavanagh said she’s best known locally as the founder of the ‘Shop Local, Shop Howick’ Facebook group, which she established during the pandemic.
She’s on the Shelly Park School board of trustees and manages football teams for the local Bucklands Beach Association Football Club as well as school sports teams.
“So why vote for me? Proven track record of community leadership, personal responsibility, governance, a relentless drive to make a difference,” Kavanagh said.
Current board member Bruce Kendall and Olympic gold medallist said he has a passion for the environment.
He helps to run stream and beach clean-ups and tree-plantings, and he’s involved with the Tamaki Estuary Protection Society and Tamaki Estuary Environmental Forum.
“I’m absolutely passionate about leaving the world a better place,” Kendall said.
Frank Wong said he owns a photographic business and he has experience in education, information technology, and manufacturing.
“We have the best schools in Auckland, we have a beautiful coastal environment, and also shopping and food, yet our playgrounds are neglected, walkways like the Warren Walkway are delayed for some major repairs,” Wong said.
“The Pakuranga Community Hall is like a derelict building.”
Wong said he would pursue better funding for local facilities.
A public meeting for candidates standing for the Howick Local Board in the Flat Bush subdivision is being staged at the Ormiston Senior College auditorium from 10.30am to 12pm on Saturday, September 20.
Grey Power Howick Pakuranga and Districts is hosting a meet-the-candidates meeting, for people standing for Auckland’s mayoralty and for the council in the Howick ward, at St Andrews Presbyterian Church in Vincent Street, Howick, at 1pm on Friday, September 26.
