Venkat Raman
Auckland, August 8, 2022
A financial professional, with deep-rooted family values and a keen spirit of social and community service, is seeking to become a member of the Whau Local Board in West Auckland.
Aadil Basha, known for his gentle and affable manners, is contesting as a Labour Party candidate in the Ward which comprises New Windsor, Blockhouse Bay, Glenavon, Avondale, New Lynn, Green Bay, Kelston, Glendene and Rosebank.
“As a businessperson raising a young family, I am keen to serve Whau which has given me a home, a career and a fantastic community. Now, I would like to give back to the community and work towards a brighter future for our growing generations,” he said.
Promoting the Whau area
Mr Basha is currently a member of the Whau River Catchment Trust, Waitakere Ethnic Board and a Member of the Auckland Interfaith Council.
He said that he would like to be the positive voice of the local community and work towards its brighter future as a part of the Labour team. Passionate about more green spaces and a healthy environment, development of the younger members of society, he works to improve social cohesion and a safer neighbourhood.
“As a member of the Waitakere Ethnic board, I take pride in working with various ethnic communities to build a stronger and more diverse West Auckland. The environment is dear to my heart and being on the board of the Whau River Catchment Trust has given me opportunities to participate in planting thousands of trees in the area and helping keep the Whau River clean. My upbringing as well as working with the Auckland Interfaith Council has taught me how beautifully connected we are, how important it is to acknowledge and celebrate the potential of our community and harness goodwill and development through social cohesion,” he said.
Mr Basha said that he will promote diversity through art, food and cultural festivals, advocate the protection of parks and keep our waterways clean.
“I will encourage and support our local sports clubs to thrive for our youth and play a pivotal role in bringing our communities together. I believe that the West is the best and want to be a catalyst in making Whau the best Ward in Auckland,” he said.
About Aadil Basha
Born in India, Aadil Basha has had work experience in Dubai, making him a citizen of the world serving diverse communities with their varying aspirations and vicissitudes. Married with three children, he has made Blockhouse Bay his home and as a well-settled young man, he believes that he is ready for public service.
The Rotary Movement has been a great motivating factor, he said.
“Rotary afforded me opportunities to work with the younger members of the society and this engagement has made me resolve to make them stronger. Unemployment among youth in the Whau Ward is higher than the national average and I am determined to tackle this problem,” Mr Basha said.
As a Volunteer of the team that was involved with the restoration of Meola Creek, he is keen to protect the environment.
“It is great to see Meola Creek restored to its glory. Now, I would like to make our parks, creeks and our Whau even more beautiful for our future generations. Safety is of utmost importance and hence, I want to promote safe neighbourhood programmes for my Ward, install better and more streetlights and support and promote street barbecues and block parties. My dream is to build and establish my Ward as amongst the safest in the country,” he said.
Promoting Vegetation
Mr Basha said that if elected, he would introduce fruits and vegetables in open public spaces and community gardens, work with local schools for volunteers and encourage the youth to be involved in these programmes.
“I would also plant more trees, promote energy water conservation measures and provide incentives for innovation. I will work with corporates in several areas, including helping the unemployed get jobs. I will also find out the reasons why young people drop out of school. I will focus on programmes that enable them to learn skills and trade,” Mr Basha said.
His business acumen, augmented by experience in finance makes him competent to manage public funds and use them for issues that are on the priority list.
