The Labour Party has selected an exciting mix of experience and new ideas to contest the Maungakiekie-Tāmaki Local Board and Mount Wellington Licensing Trust in the 2025 Local Government Elections.
The Maungakiekie-Tāmaki Local Board is divided into the Maungakiekie and Tāmaki Subdivisions, while the Mount Wellington Licensing Trust serves the communities of Mount Wellington, Panmure, Point England and Glen Innes.
In the Maungakiekie subdivision, Labour has selected former Auckland Councillor Glenda Fryer, local teacher Christopher Carroll, and local resident and community advocate Malaina Taufa.
Contesting the Tāmaki Subdivision are incumbent Local Board chair Maria Meredith and three-term member Nerissa Henry, who are joined by Penina Trust worker Dianna Fuka and local advocate Deborah Misiuepa.
“We are at a critical time for the Maungakiekie-Tāmaki Local Board” says Maria Meredith.
“With upcoming town centre upgrades, including the Transform Onehunga and Unlock Panmure initiatives, alongside the ongoing transformation of our communities with Tāmaki Regeneration Company and Oranga Development, it has never been more important to have strong progressive voices around the Local Board table”.
Nerissa Henry is also seeking a fourth term on the Mount Wellington Licensing Trust, alongside local Union Organiser Will Matthews, and experienced campaigner and former Library Manager Megan Clark.
Nerissa Henry says “following the recent sale of the Waipuna Hotel and Panmure Corner Bar and Eatery, Mount Wellington Licensing Trust is now in a strong position to deliver on its stated goal of community investment to empower the Licensing Trust area. We’re really excited to be contesting this election with a ticket of passionate residents with strong community connections and an ambitious vision for our neighbourhoods”.
Together, these candidates will be supporting local Councillor Josephine Bartley in her campaign for a fourth term on Auckland Council.
Departing local board members.
The candidates wish to thank Chris Makoare and Peter McGlashan, both of the Tāmaki subdivision, both of whom are leaving the Labour Party ticket this year.
Chris Makoare served five terms on the Maungakiekie-Tāmaki Local Board, including serving as Chair. Some of his notable accomplishments include the annual Matariki Light Trail, leading the land exchange for Maybury Reserve, and being recognised as a Kiwibank Local Hero in 2015.
“Chris has dedicated fifteen years to providing a strong voice to Tāmaki, strong leadership to our team, and passionately advocating for positive outcomes for our residents – particularly Māori and Pasifika Communities” says Maria Meredith.
Peter McGlashan served for two terms as a Local Board member, providing a safe pair of hands around the local board table and spearheading a number of transportation initiatives.
“We will miss Peter’s progressive voice and his strong advocacy for his neighbours and local community” says Maria Meredith.