In just over one week there will be a new subdivision represented on the next Howick Local Board with three elected members for Flat Bush, which is likely home to more new migrants than any other part of east Auckland.
The current board has nine members with three each for the three subdivisions of Howick, Pakuranga, and Botany.
But due to the growing population in Flat Bush, its make-up is changing.
The Botany subdivision will shrink from three members to two and the new Flat Bush subdivision is created with three elected members.
Many of the candidates standing in this year’s local elections recently took the chance to participate in a public event staged by the Korean Positive Ageing Charitable Trust at the new St Paul’s in the Park Church in Flat Bush.
After introducing themselves to the receptive audience of more than 100 people, the candidates were asked several questions, including how they’ll recognise, respect and respond to the diverse cultural communities in east Auckland so everyone feels included and supported.
Candidate Sonia Singh, who’s standing for a seat on the Howick Local Board in Flat Bush, said: “Our diversity is our strength.
“Here in Flat Bush, we are surrounded by cultures, languages, and stories from all over the world, and that’s what makes our community so special.
“But even in our richness, not everyone feels seen and heard or included.”
She said she and her sister had created community groups to bring people together.
“That’s still who I am. I believe in kindness and unity and making sure every voice is valued.
“I’m ready to keep building the community right here in Flat Bush.”
Incumbent Howick Local Board member Peter Young, who’s standing in Flat Bush also, said his vision is to make the community healthy and happy, which is also his political ticket’s campaign slogan.
He said he’s the founder of the successful Botany and Flat Bush Ethnic Association and runs classes in the community such as yoga and Zumba, which benefits 2500 people each year.
Candidate Kai Zeng, who’s standing in Flat Bush with Young on the ‘Healthy and Happy’ political ticket, said the local community is diverse and he has experiences to reflect that.
He said he’s worked with more than 10 different ethnic communities and is organising K-pop, tai chi, Zumba, Chinese language lessons, E-sports, and cultural performances in Ormiston and Flat Bush.
“I will meet people regularly at churches, temples, schools, events and on the streets, support grassroots events [such as] Matariki, Diwali, Chinese New Year, Korean expos, and local arts and sports.
“I will push for public shared venues, for all communities to come together.
“Imagine an Ormiston Town Centre or Barry Curtis Park that comes alive for everyone during the weekends.”
Incumbent Howick Local Board member and former board chairperson David Collings is standing in Flat Bush on the Communities and Residents (C&R) political ticket.
He says: “I fought for Flat Bush years ago as a Manukau City Councillor, supporting things like the Ormiston Bridge, which was controversial with its $10.8 million price tag, but is now iconic in identifying the area.
“I supported it against people who were saying the area would become a slum because of the high-density level of housing.
“I knew I had to fight for Flat Bush back then and I wasn’t even the local representative.
“But I’m glad I did because it’s set the scene for developers who have delivered a high level of housing in the area.
“If elected to actually represent the people of this wonderful, growing, multicultural community, I pledge to see that council facilities such as a Library, Community Centre and Pool are completed and Ormiston gets the heart it so desperately needs.
“Elect someone who’s always ready to fight for Flat Bush.”
- Voting in this year’s local elections is open until October 11 with final results announced from October 14-17.
- To enrol to vote, go online to Enrol or update online | Vote NZ.
