Latest news with #ACTNewZealand
Scoop
6 days ago
- Business
- Scoop
Local Business Owner & Advisor, Dene Green, To Stand For Franklin Ward
Press Release – ACT New Zealand ACT Local has selected Maraetai resident and small business owner Dene Green as its candidate for the Franklin Ward in this year's Auckland Council election. Dene will also stand for the Wairoa Subdivision of the Franklin Local Board. Dene has over 30 years of experience in logistics, business ownership, and mentoring. He runs a service supporting small businesses and local development and holds an EMBA and a PostDoctorate in Global Business from the University of Oxford. He has championed renewable energy projects such as offshore wind power, supported aquaculture ventures, and pushed for Free Trade Zones in New Zealand, including the proposed Marsden Point in Northland. He also advised the campaign to position Auckland as a strategic 'Southern Link' transport hub between China and South America. Now Dene is focused on Franklin. As a proud Franklin local of Ngāti Hine descent, he understands what matters to families and businesses here. For too long Franklin has been treated as Auckland's forgotten rural fringe. From Whitford and Beachlands to Pukekohe and Waiuku, fastgrowing communities have seen clogged roads, stalled infrastructure, and rising rates with little to show for it. Auckland Council keeps adding climate levies and hiking business rates instead of delivering practical solutions. Franklin deserves better, investment that matches our growth, infrastructure that keeps up, and leadership that puts local priorities first. 'Franklin deserves better than being treated like a rural afterthought,' Dene says. 'Our communities need practical, people-first representation. I'll focus on fixing roads, improving local facilities, and making housing easier, not endless bureaucracy and red tape. 'Council should make life easier, not harder. Ratepayers deserve value for money and a council that works for them.' – Dene Green Earlier this year, ACT New Zealand announced it would be standing Common Sense Candidates for local government for the first time — after hearing from New Zealanders across the country who are sick of rising rates, ballooning budgets, and councils that ignore the basics while chasing ideological vanity projects. When you vote ACT Local, you know what you're getting: Fixing the basics Ending the war on cars Cutting the waste Stopping race-based politics Restoring accountability Lower rates ACT Local Government spokesperson Cameron Luxton says: ' ACT Local candidates are community-minded Kiwis who've had enough of wasteful councils treating ratepayers like ATMs. It's time to take control on behalf of ratepayers — to restore accountability and deliver real value for money. ACT Local is about getting the basics right: maintaining roads, keeping streets clean, and respecting the people who pay the bills. Our candidates won't divide people by race or get distracted by climate vanity projects. They're here to serve, not lecture.' – Cameron Luxton
Scoop
6 days ago
- Politics
- Scoop
Local Business Owner And Community Volunteer, Ben Cox, Selected As ACT Local Candidate For Henderson-Massey Local Board
Press Release – ACT New Zealand ACT Local has selected Ben Cox – a small business owner, community volunteer, and Te Atatū Peninsula resident – as its candidate for the Henderson-Massey Local Board in this year's Auckland Council election. Ben runs a local advertising consultancy and serves on the boards of Waitakere Swimming Club and TAP Sea Scouts, supporting youth in the area. Ben is known for his practical, nononsense approach. He wants the HendersonMassey Local Board focused on what really matters — looking after local services and facilities, setting clear priorities, and pushing council to deliver the improvements our area needs. Ben wants HendersonMassey to be a safer, better place for everyone. 'I care about this community because it's my home too,' Ben says. 'People are tired of seeing their rates go up while things like parks, footpaths and community facilities fall behind. We need a local board that listens, plans properly, and isn't afraid to push council on the big issues. 'I'll work hard to make sure every rates dollar is spent wisely, that our board advocates strongly and pushes council for safer roads, better stormwater management and wellmaintained facilities, and that HendersonMassey gets its fair share. I want families and businesses to feel proud to live and work here.' – Ben Cox Earlier this year, ACT New Zealand announced it would be standing Common Sense Candidates for local government for the first time — after hearing from New Zealanders across the country who are sick of rising rates, ballooning budgets, and councils that ignore the basics while chasing ideological vanity projects. When you vote ACT Local, you know what you're getting: Fixing the basics Cutting the waste Ending race-based politics Restoring accountability ACT Local Government spokesperson Cameron Luxton says: ' ACT Local candidates are community-minded Kiwis who've had enough of wasteful councils treating ratepayers like ATMs. It's time to take control on behalf of ratepayers — to restore accountability and deliver real value for money. ACT Local is about getting the basics right: maintaining roads, keeping streets clean, and respecting the people who pay the bills. Our candidates won't divide people by race or get distracted by climate vanity projects. They're here to serve, not lecture.' – Cameron Luxton
Scoop
6 days ago
- Business
- Scoop
Construction Director And Engineer, Yang Kang Hong Qu, Selected As ACT Local Candidate For Hibiscus And Bays Local Board
Press Release – ACT New Zealand ACT Local has selected Yang Kang Hong Qu – a construction director with an electrical engineering background, as its candidate for the Hibiscus Coast Subdivision of the Hibiscus and Bays Local Board in this year's Auckland Council election. Yang, 30, is a North American expat of Chinese descent who brings an international outlook alongside practical experience in engineering and construction. As director of a local construction company, he's used to working with people from all backgrounds, solving challenges on the job, and making sure projects stay on track and on budget. He believes that same practical mindset – thinking ahead, working smart, and delivering what's promised, is exactly what council needs to better serve local people. 'I'm running because I know how hard people work to pay their rates. As a construction director, I've spent years planning projects, solving problems, and keeping budgets on track, and I believe our local board should do exactly the same. Families deserve to see their money go into things that really matter in our community, like wellmaintained parks and facilities, safe local roads, and good services. A strong local board doesn't just make decisions on these things; it also advocates to council for the projects and investment our area needs. Together, we can make sure every dollar counts and build a community that works for everyone.' – Yang Kang Hong Qu Earlier this year, ACT New Zealand announced it would be standing Common Sense Candidates for local government for the first time — after hearing from New Zealanders across the country who are sick of rising rates, ballooning budgets, and councils that ignore the basics while chasing ideological vanity projects. When you vote ACT Local, you know what you're getting: Fixing the basics Cutting the waste Ending race-based politics Restoring accountability ACT Local Government spokesperson Cameron Luxton says: ' ACT Local candidates are community-minded Kiwis who've had enough of wasteful councils treating ratepayers like ATMs. It's time to take control on behalf of ratepayers — to restore accountability and deliver real value for money. ACT Local is about getting the basics right: maintaining roads, keeping streets clean, and respecting the people who pay the bills. Our candidates won't divide people by race or get distracted by climate vanity projects. They're here to serve, not lecture.' – Cameron Luxton
Scoop
09-07-2025
- Business
- Scoop
ACT Announces Helena Roza As ACT Local Candidate For North Shore Ward
Press Release – ACT New Zealand ACT Local has selected Helena Roza – a small business owner, community volunteer, and media professional – as its candidate for the North Shore Ward in this year's Auckland Council election. Helena cares passionately about the North Shore. A mother and entrepreneur with a background in journalism and television presenting, she co-founded a successful local business with her husband. She volunteers with Meals on Wheels and proudly supports Takapuna FC, where her husband plays goalkeeper. She believes the current council is letting people down. Rates are rising year after year, yet core services are declining. Roads are crumbling, infrastructure is neglected, and small businesses are buried in red tape. Instead of focusing on the basics, Council obsesses over climate targets, removes car parking, and pushes up parking fees, making everyday life harder for locals. As a mother, business owner, and community advocate, Helena knows how to get things done. North Shore deserves fresh thinking, practical solutions, and representatives who actually listen. It's time to challenge the tired status quo and put ratepayers first, with a new generation of representatives: confident, capable, and connected to the people. She says: 'I'll fight to keep rates affordable by cutting waste, not inventing new ways to tax people. Let's fix what's broken and build a council that works for the people—so our community can thrive. 'Mayor Wayne Brown is right to call out Auckland Transport. AT has lost touch—pushing overpriced projects and disruptive cycleways that only make traffic worse. 'Transport planning should work for the majority. We need better connections for drivers, tradies, and local businesses—not fewer lanes and more delays.' – Helena Roza Earlier this year, ACT New Zealand announced it would be standing Common Sense Candidates for local government for the first time — after hearing from New Zealanders across the country who are sick of rising rates, ballooning budgets, and councils that ignore the basics while chasing ideological vanity projects. Helena will also contest a seat on the Devonport-Takapuna Local Board. When you vote ACT Local, you know what you're getting: Fixing the basics Lower Rates Cutting the waste Stopping the war on cars Ending race-based politics Restoring accountability ACT Local Government spokesperson Cameron Luxton says: ' ACT Local candidates are community-minded Kiwis who've had enough of wasteful councils treating ratepayers like ATMs. It's time to take control on behalf of ratepayers — to restore accountability and deliver real value for money. ACT Local is about getting the basics right: maintaining roads, keeping streets clean, and respecting the people who pay the bills. Our candidates won't divide people by race or get distracted by climate vanity projects. They're here to serve, not lecture.' – Cameron Luxton
Scoop
08-07-2025
- Politics
- Scoop
Barrister And Solicitor Of The High Court, Samuel Mills, Selected As ACT Local Candidate For Auckland Council
Press Release – ACT New Zealand ACT Local has selected Samuel Mills – a current elected member of the Hibiscus & Bays Local Board as its candidate for the Albany Ward in this year's Auckland Council election. Samuel currently serves as an elected member of the Hibiscus & Bays Local Board and is well known for challenging council waste and standing up for ratepayer value. A barrister and solicitor of the High Court, accredited RMA hearing commissioner, Department of Corrections hearing adjudicator, Justice of the Peace, and proud dad, he brings a strong commitment to personal responsibility, fiscal discipline, and common-sense decision-making. ' I'm standing with ACT to deliver real change: lower rates, better roads, dependable rubbish services, and smarter infrastructure 'I'll cut wasteful spending, refocus council on core services, and end the war on cars – so locals can choose how they travel. 'Together, we can hold bureaucracy to account and make sure Auckland Council works for ratepayers, not political ideology.' – Samuel Mills Earlier this year, ACT New Zealand announced it would be standing Common Sense Candidates for local government for the first time — after hearing from New Zealanders across the country who are sick of rising rates, ballooning budgets, and councils that ignore the basics while chasing ideological vanity projects. Samuel will also contest a seat on the Hibiscus Coast Subdivision of the Hibiscus & Bays Local Board. When you vote ACT Local, you know what you're getting: Fixing the basics Lower Rates Cutting the waste Ending race-based politics Restoring accountability ACT Local Government spokesperson Cameron Luxton says: ' ACT Local candidates are community-minded Kiwis who've had enough of wasteful councils treating ratepayers like ATMs. It's time to take control on behalf of ratepayers — to restore accountability and deliver real value for money. ACT Local is about getting the basics right: maintaining roads, keeping streets clean, and respecting the people who pay the bills. Our candidates won't divide people by race or get distracted by climate vanity projects. They're here to serve, not lecture.' – Cameron Luxton
