Candidate profile statement
My principal place of residence is not in the Whau Local Board area.
Current elected member of Whau Local Board since 2013. I am also a lawyer, business advisor and proven advocate for diverse communities. Had lived in west Auckland for decades. Extensive governance experience in government agencies and community organizations. Our Whau Labour team successfully secured funding for a new Avondale community centre and library, and significant investment in parks and infrastructures. I initiated Whau Pacific and Ethnic Peoples' Plans, and Whau Chinese New Year Festival. Keen to continue my advocacy for better transport, vibrant business centres, affordable housing, and strong diverse communities.
'I am from Shandong, China, practicing lawyer, business advisor, current elected member of Whau Local Board since 2013, extensive governance experience, providing long term services to the Chinese and diverse communities. Please vote for me and Whau Labour team'.
About me
I was born and raised in Northern China, immigrated to NZ in 2000. I was a teacher in China.
I am a lawyer, a community leader and a proven advocate for the diverse communities in Auckland. I have 20 years experience in central and local government.
I am an elected Whau Local Board member since 2013, and the Deputy Chairperson of the Whau Local Board between 2013 and April 2021.
I have nearly twenty years of governance experience and have developed a deep understanding of the relevance of strong governance, financial and performance management in a corporate environment. I also bring my strong understanding of and sound knowledge of New Zealand central and local governments’ policies, structures, decision-making and operating procedures.
I also serve on the board of the Waitemata Police Ethnic Reference Group, providing advice to the top Police officials including the district commanders on matters related to the ethnic communities, advocating the ethnic communities’ concerns through debate and influence on the Police’s strategies, policies and procedures. In May this year, I was appointed as a member of the Chinese Medicine Council, a regulatory board overseeing the registration of the Chinese Medicine Practitioners in NZ.
I am a strong advocate for the diverse communities. I initiated the Whau Chinese New Year festival in 2015, and the Whau Pacific and Ethnic People’s Plans in 2018 while I was a member of the Whau Local Board.
I wish to be re-elected again, and I would like to be able to continue to be part of the Whau Local Board team and advocate for our strong and safe communities, sustainable environment and friend and inclusive communities for all families.
Why I want to be elected
I would like to have an opportunity to continue support the key projects in the Whau areas to their completion:
• To develop the new Avondale Town Centre, complete the construction of the new Avondale Library, community centre and recreation centre;
• To continue advocate for a swimming pool in the Whau area;
• To work towards cleaner waterways and more public green space, especially around our town centres and development;
• Advocate for more feeder bus routes and more frequent public transport services; and
• Advocate funding to complete Te Whau shared path.
What I love most about the area I want to represent
I love the Whau diverse communities and the rich cultures, the Whau river connect between the two harbours, our parks and playgrounds, and the vibrant town centres.
What I think about key issues for Auckland
Choose a campaign topic to read the candidate's views on it.
City centre and local development
We stand for an eco-focused community where the wellbeing of generations to come is central for decisions made today. We want a community where everyone can have a decedent place to live, enjoy a thriving community which cares for its environment, and be confident that the infrastructure meets the needs of people and the planet. We want a community where it's easy to get around, and it's fun, safe and healthy to live, learn, work and play.
Economic and cultural development
Support effective investment in more efficient public transport, expand bus and train services, safe cycleways, and our aging water infrastructure to cater for the increased amount of housing intensification within our ward area and to meet the needs of our growing community.
Environment management and regulation
We will continue our commitment to Te Tāruke-ā-Tāwhiri: Auckland's Climate Plan.
We will prioritise investment into transport infrastructure in Auckland which could ensure that we can meet our community’s future needs and progress our goal of zero carbon by 2050.
We will push for faster progress on transport and water infrastructure projects to keep up with increasing demand.
Funding and financing
We will advocate for improvements across all relevant Council business to increase accessibility for our diverse communities in the Whau area including Māori, Pasifika, our ethnic community, our rangatahi and for those with a disability.
We need to strengthen participatory democracy in decision-making processes. Councils need to engage with residents in a respectful and consistent manner with robust reporting throughout the decision-making process.
Outcomes for Māori
We will continue with our commitment to working with mana whenua under Te Tiriti, and will review and implement the Waitākere ki Tua Plan. As members of the Whau Local Board we will advocate to engage and work with mana whenua to expand opportunities for decision-making input, and explore opportunities to support and resource mana whenua and tāngata whenua to play a strengthened role in our natural environment.
Parks and community
We will focus on the developing more accessible playground within Whau, working with clubs, schools and sporting organisations so that every child in a low-income family can play sport, and continue to upgrade local playgrounds, libraries, and community and recreational facilities across the city to support the growing communities due to house intensification.
Transport
We will prioritise investment into transport infrastructure in Whau so we can meet our community’s future needs and progress our goal of zero carbon by 2050. We will push for faster progress on transport and water infrastructure projects to keep up with increasing demand.
Water, wastewater and stormwater
We support investment in our water, wastewater and stormwater infrastructure in order to keep up with the increased amount of housing intensification within our ward area, to meet the needs of our growing community.
What I will prioritise if I am elected
I will work with our Whau Labour team focusing on the following three key areas:
1. Strong Safe communities
• We will build stronger business communities and capitalise on emerging technologies through an economic broker;
• Celebrate the food, culture and art of our diverse communities;
• Ensure that our Māori and European heritage are recognised and celebrated;
• Liaise with police and other organizations around communities safety; and
• Retain our library services.
2. Sustainable Environment
• Continue to work towards cleaner waterways and more public green space, especially around our town centres and developments;
• Advocate for more feeder bus routes and more frequent public transport services;
• Advocate for funding to complete Te Whau Shared path; and
• Expand opportunities for sustainable food production, including the planting of edible trees in public spaces.
3. Family / Whau friendly
• Advocate for the Whau swimming pool to be built rather than deferred;
• Advocate for improved, safer footpaths and more pedestrian crossings at busy roads;
• Liaise with schools and organizations to provide more opportunities for our local youth;
• Install more shade and drinking fountains, especially in concentrated public areas; and
• Continue to work on improving accessibility to our parks and venues.
