Candidate information

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The contents of the candidate profile have been provided by the candidate to express their views and is intended to help inform voters. The information in the profile does not necessarily reflect Auckland Council's views or policies.

Sylvia YANG

Albany Ward councillor candidate

Your Community Future

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Candidate profile statement

My principal place of residence is not in the Albany Ward area. I am also standing for the Upper Harbour Local Board.

I have called Auckland home for nearly 30 years. As a mother with a young family, I am passionate about improving and finding solutions for our community. I am an experienced screen producer in local and international productions, the Youth Club President of the NZ China Friendship Society, and a volunteer at Auckland Museum. I'm fluent in Mandarin and Cantonese.

I have strong family values; it is important to look after our young and young-at-heart. I advocate for green spaces, sport and recreation facilities, libraries, community art and greater transport options. Our community and businesses would only thrive if we felt safe. Safer roads and cycleways, crime prevention and accountability are essential. Ensure our rates are better invested in our community.

Your Community Future is passionate about people and their needs. Let's all work together and help our beloved community reach its potential. Vote for me, vote for change!

About me

I have called Auckland home for nearly 30 years. I migrated to New Zealand with my parents when I was twelve.

While studying at the University of Auckland, I co-found a university hip-hop dance club and a performing arts club. Competed and performed all over NZ. I later produced the first NZ original Chinese musical and the first NZ web series with many talented young people from our performing arts club.

After I completed my Bachelor of Business degree, I worked in BNZ looking after the youth sector; later I stepped into the screen industry. Now I'm an experienced screen producer and operate a successful international film production company bringing jobs and business opportunities to NZ.

I am married with a son. We love spending time with my mother, my 96-year-old grandfather and other relatives. I am blessed with a big loving family. My family taught me important things like family values, looking after the young and the elder, and looking after one other.

I love giving back to the community. I am the Youth Club President of the NZ China Friendship Society, a volunteer at the Auckland Museum and a member of the North Harbour Hospice Advisory Board. I also run a community fitness class and teach children Chinese calligraphy.

I’m fluent in Mandarin and Cantonese.

Why I want to be elected

I am passionate about serving our community and representation. While Auckland is a multicultural and diverse city, our council does not reflect that level of diversity. Diversity is essential in our natural environment as well as our community and democratic process. I am also passionate about advocating for those who may not have a voice in our democratic decision-making -- our children, our vulnerable and our environment.

Our council and council-controlled organisations are our public services providers, they are here to serve the public. Many of us in Auckland don't feel like we have been served. Our council needs to revisit who its stakeholders are -- ratepayers and the people of Auckland. Our council must work for and work with the people. Our people and our council must work together to build a better Auckland.