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The Labour Party wants to reflect the evolving and diverse community in Howick (East Auckland) and hence is contesting in the Howick Local Board election with seven candidates.
Alan Papprill, who has lived in Howick for more than 17 years, said that the current Board needs a shake up to reflect the cultural diversity.
“It needs new faces and fresh ideas,” he said.
Mr Papprill, who has taught English at Howick College for six years, has a personal interest in being a strong voice for the arts, culture and heritage groups in the Howick Ward to create a more vibrant community.
“I was talking to a local businessman recently who, just like me, wished Howick had more of a heart. He suggested filling Cook Street with stalls and entertainers at the Saturday Market so that Howick Village becomes the place to meet every weekend. It is fantastic ideas like these that not only create a vibrant community, but also deserve to be heard by a responsive and community focused Local Board,” he said.
Tofik Mamedov, who has extensive community service and governance experience, is contesting in the Howick Ward and Auckland Council.
“I am passionate about Auckland and committed to working across political boundaries to achieve the best for Howick and its people,” he said.
Publisher Mark Johnson, who has a young family, is contesting in the Botany Ward as a resident for the past decade. The former high school teacher from Botany Secondary College is committed to the development of inclusive communities for the younger generations.
“I cannot think of one public space in this area dedicated to young residents and their families. We need a community centre,” he said.
Baljit Kaur, a resident of Ormiston, is contesting for the first time on Labour ticket.
The Medical Underwriter for Southern Cross Health Society is focusing on bringing more cultural diversity to the board and make positive links within community groups.
“As a Chairperson for New Zealand Sikh Women Association Otahuhu, we support families experiencing the dynamics of domestic violence to lead productive and harmonious lives,” she said.
Passionate about public safety, lobbying for better transport systems, stronger community links and heritage preservation is former Policeman Gyanandra Kumar, contesting the Botany Ward and Auckland Council.
Allan Hawea, is standing in the Pakuranga Ward.
“I want to bring to the local board greater representation of the growing multi-cultural and tangata whenua face of the Ward,” he said.
The ordained Anglican minister serving South Auckland, has held positions on numerous health and social services organisations at the governance level.
Tania Mahoney wants to see more community connectivity and more emphasis on cultural diversity in Pakuranga.
“I believe Pakuranga needs to regain community spirit.”
Photo:
The Seven Contestants (from left) Alan Papprill, Tofik Mamedov, Baljit Kaur, Gyanandra Kumar, Mark Johnson, Allan Hawea and Tania Mahoney.
