Where We Stand
Local Parks
must to be saved for our future not sold to developers. Action has gone on record wanting options on paper to sell these sports fields. Vote #LovePapakura to stop park sales and to
save our parks. Click the image to learn more.
Transparency
in decision-making is non-negotiable. Joseph Allan led the charge to record all Local Board workshops and business meetings in Manurewa. #LovePapakura will do the same in Papakura for accountability and best interests of the community.
Community Pride
is our priority. We will work with Auckland Council to access regional budgets, deliver better outcomes for Papakura, address roaming dogs, improve transport options and support your choice for weekly rubbish collections.
Councillor Candidates
Joseph Allan
is your Councillor Candidate with 9 years Local Board experience, 3 years as Manurewa Board Chair.
From violin in the Papakura Civic Orchestra, to driving his children to Dance Schools and Martial Arts, Joseph Allan has seen Papakura grow over four decades.
Angela Cunningham‑Marino
has served 15 years in local government, 44 years as a Manukau Police Officer and makes safety in our community a priority.
With a background in netball, tennis and fitness, Angela is well connected in our community.
Papakura Local Board
Laura Fourie
has lived in Papakura for 16 years, and hosted the All Blacks when Manager of Bruce Pulman Park Lodge.
Previously Chief Instructor at Camp Adair; now a Health & Safety Manager in the agricultural field, a Wellbeing Coach, and Chair of the PTA at a school in Drury.
Dr Craig Hansen
is an experienced educator, charitable trust board member and business person.
Living and working in our community for 21 years, Craig recently helped launch an alternative education programme at Papakura High School.
Ranbir Pabla
has given 23 years of voluntary service to the Papakura Athletic and Harrier Club and is now Vice President.
As a coach and regional body delegate, Ranbir knows the importance of providing more local sports activities for youth and improving community facilities.
Piritaka Manuel
was raised in Papakura, former Local Business Manager, and now on the Papakura Marae Executive.
His work involves uplifting whānau and building rangatahi leadership. Piritaka is a proud father and a regular attendee at the Takaanini Run Club.
Caitlyn Dulcie Smythe
is a Conservation Volunteers NZ Team Leader, helping restore the 63km Papakura Stream.
She was inspired by her students to pursue modelling and crowned Miss Earth 2023.
She is a positive role model and credible voice for the future.
Kim Squire
brings extensive knowledge from 21 years working within Manukau City and Auckland Council.
Whether in Civil Defence as Welfare Centre Manager for Papakura, or as Sport and Recreation Investment Advisor, Kim Squire always puts people first.
Our Policies for the
Papakura Local Board
Priorities
#LovePapakura will build a more engaged Local Board that listens and responds—so groups aren't left waiting for a hall or help to feel safe. Finish Ōpaheke Park and upgrade play spaces for families. Make streets safer by repairing footpaths, sweeping streets to keep drains clear and prevent flooding, and supporting your choice for weekly rubbish collections so our neighbourhoods are cleaner, healthier, and more welcoming for everyone.
Transport
#LovePapakura will push for more funding and decision-making for Local Boards with the restructure of Auckland Transport, delivering safety and maintenance that meet local needs. Fix broken footpaths, set sensible speed limits, and improve safety around schools. Upgrade roads, signs, and lights, promote walking and cycling, add accessible carparks in high-density areas, curb roaming dogs, and improve lighting near stations, bus stops, and alleyways.
Water
#LovePapakura backs protecting water quality, supply, and resilience. Ōpaheke Park's wetlands and streams treat stormwater before it flows to the Manukau Harbour, while reducing flood risk. Future developments should follow this model—open spaces that serve both as valued amenities in dense urban areas and as flood protection. We'll invest in upgrades, conservation, and partnerships with mana whenua to safeguard waterways.
Built environment
#LovePapakura supports urban growth that's well-connected, with reliable, direct public transport so people can reach work or leisure quickly without long waits or multiple transfers. We oppose developments and intensification in flood prone areas. We will back housing and infrastructure that fit local needs, protect heritage, and create vibrant, walkable communities where amenities, green spaces, and transport links are integrated and accessible for quality living in a growing Auckland.
Natural environment
#LovePapakura will provide strong leadership on climate action, fund local waste minimisation and support Climate Ready Papakura for community-led resilience planning. Promote water efficiency, reduce food waste and emissions, and improve home insulation. Protect waterways, harbours, beaches, and streams. Support emergency preparedness, pest and weed management, and integrate risk reduction, readiness, response, and recovery across the community.
Community
#LovePapakura will back local groups, like Takaanini for a new hall, and help Bottle Top Bay residents tackle anti-social behaviour and rubbish. Upgrade playgrounds based on community priorities, and extend free Massey Park Pool access to Goldcard holders, supervising adults and disabled people. Support events, sports for all children, youth spaces to belong, community gardens, urban farms, local hubs, the Community Resilience Network, and programmes that keep seniors connected and supported.
Economic development
#LovePapakura will work with Town Centre Managers to deliver strong economic plans, including funding for safety initiatives and opposing new off-licence liquor or vaping stores. Support local jobs through council procurement and business associations, prioritising youth employment. Promote skills training and qualification access. Encourage diverse local businesses and maintain a visible police presence in shopping areas.
Partnership
#LovePapakura upholds Te Tiriti o Waitangi and strong partnerships with mana whenua. We back Ara Kōtui so southern Iwi voices shape local decisions. Grounded in whanaungatanga, we value ties with Iwi, Mataawaka and Papakura Marae. We support Māori-led solutions, rangatahi leadership and whānau-focused communities. We'll advocate for housing, transport and jobs that reflect Papakura's identity and foster belonging.
