Candidate profile statement
My principal place of residence is not in the Puketāpapa Local Board area.
My objective and passion in life is to serve our whanau and communities. I have built extensive networks over twenty years within Auckland's business, not-for-profit, political, ethnic and faith communities.
I volunteer at the Whanau Community Hub, advocating for social justice for our local communities, with the goal of improving social cohesion.
I also wish to promote local housing, preservation of cultural identity and improved opportunities for everyone. I would like to have more talanoa and improve awareness of public transport, recycling, our environment, and our diversity, by increasing our engagement with Pasifika, ethnic and urban Māori communities in the Puketāpapa area.
We can strengthen our democracy by continuing this journey of building a more inclusive and diverse council and city and bring about more positive changes that further enhance our communities' well-being.
Please vote for me and the whole Roskill Community Voice team for the Puketāpapa Local Board.
About me
- My name is Rachael Mario and Auckland is my city.
- I am a very proud Aucklander, and have lived here for over 33 years
- I want to help make Puketāpapa (Mt Roskill) an even better place for everyone.
- So vote for me and my Roskill Community Voice team.
- I manage our Whānau Centre, NZ Rotuman Community Centre, and Fiji Centre, which is located at 165 Stoddard Road, Mt Roskill.
- My passion in life is to serve our city and communities.
- I have been doing this for over 30 years, and have built positive connections and networks within Auckland’s business, not-for-profit, political, ethnic and faith communities.
We love this place. Auckland is our home. It is where we work and play, raise our families, build our lives, and plan our futures. There is nowhere we would rather be.
We’re not stopping now. Auckland’s challenges are big, but the opportunities are bigger. We are the team who knows how to get things done and we are ready to serve.
- So vote for me and my Roskill Community Voice team.
Why I want to be elected
- I am a new candidate with new ideas.
- I want fairness and social justice for all Aucklanders, and want to unite our communities and improve social cohesion.
- I want to continue with my work in building a more equitable Tāmaki Makaurau, Auckland with a focus on improved rates of home ownership, preservation of cultural identity, human rights, and improved access to opportunities for everyone.
- I would like to contribute more to improving awareness of public transport, recycling, our environment, and our diversity.
- It is my wish that we strengthen our democracy by having more people involved in the consultation process and improving voter turnout.
- So vote for Rachael Mario to help make these changes.
What I love most about the area I want to represent
It's got some of the nicest people.
Its central.
Good schools.
Great neighbourhood.
Fabulous parks.
Great shopping.
I would like to contribute more to improving awareness of public transport, recycling, our environment, and our diversity.
It is my wish that we strengthen our democracy by having more communities involved in the consultation process and improving voter turnout.
My hope is that we continue together on this journey of building a more inclusive and diverse council and city, and bring about more positive changes that further enhance our communities’ well-being.
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 will fight for well-designed neighbourhoods that deliver integrated housing, good design, open space and environmental outcomes which enable people and communities to connect with each other.
We will support the work of the Urban Design Panel, Eke Panuku and the council to act as practical exemplars of quality urban design and residential development.
We will advocate that any changes in resource management and planning laws support quality urban design and liveable communities.
Economic and cultural development
We will work to build thriving communities with a sense of place and self-reliance, high employment and reduced inequality. We will support regional and local business enterprise and innovation, environmental sustainability, affordable housing and employment initiatives that are environmentally and socially responsible.
We will work to reduce unnecessary red tape and compliance costs for businesses.
We will encourage the provision of employment opportunities close to where people live
Environment management and regulation
We will promote ecological sustainability, including biodiversity and biosecurity programmes and ecologically appropriate weed control, phasing out of glyphosate and other agrichemical spraying as far as practicable. We will continue to monitor the Environmental Protection Authority’s advice.
We will care for our environment by effective action to reduce pollution of water, air and land, including prioritising effective regulatory enforcement by Auckland Council.
Funding and financing
We will be responsible guardians of Auckland’s public accounts and assets. The rating system must be fair, at a rate proportionate to the value of properties and take account people’s wealth and ability to pay.
We will continue targeted business rates for the City Centre and Business Improvement Districts. We will promote a region-wide modest business rate differential, set in proportion value of the business properties, to help fund critical infrastructure, such as transport, public facilties.
Outcomes for Māori
We will respect the role of Māori as kaitiaki.
We will consider the impact on Māori in all council and local board decision-making.
We will actively seek Memoranda of Understanding and partnership with mana whenua.
We will promote bilingual names, signage, information and consultation throughout our area.
We will incorporate local Māori tikanga and kawa in our celebrations and events and participate in training required to improve our cultural competency.
Parks and community
We will seek to develop connected, resilient, inclusive communities.
Council will promote the economic, social, cultural and environmental wellbeing of our communities.
We know that well-maintained local shopping areas, libraries, community centres, parks and reserves, sports grounds, recreational and arts facilities promote stronger communities and we will support and promote them.
We support a community empowerment approach and will strengthen local groups through grants and partnerships.
Transport
Our vision is for genuine, equitable transport choice for people and goods to move around our communities and the Auckland region with ease.
We support major transport infrastructure projects like the City Rail Link and light rail.
We will prioritise public transport and the provision of better bus, ferry, light rail and train services, interchange hubs, cycleways, safer walking, micromobility routes and more HOP card outlets.
We will investigate and, where feasible, extend free public transport.
Water, wastewater and stormwater
We will support projects that protect and clean up our waterways including our harbours, beaches, coastal areas, streams and their catchment areas.
We will support the development of community-led community gardens, regenerative farms and berm planting where appropriate.
We support the Western Springs Recycling and Education Centre, and also waste-reduction programmes in all areas to utilise the resource recovery network effectively.
Retain the Unitary Plan controls on GMOs in the environment.
What I will prioritise if I am elected
- Our Roskill Community Voice team will continue working towards improving public transport, recycling, and improving our environment.
- I will help enhance engagement with our diverse communities and businesses, to ensure all voices are heard.
- Improving home ownership, preservation of cultural identity, human rights, and better access to opportunities for everyone is my priority.
- I am ready to serve and I will not stop. Auckland is a big challenge but the opportunities are bigger
- So vote for Rachael Mario to help make these changes to improve our area.
