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 2024.

“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.

Campaign website:

Labour selects old hands and fresh legs to contest Maungakiekie-Tāmaki. - Labour Tāmaki

DETAILED CANDIDATE INFORMATION

Maungakiekie-Tāmaki Local Board, Maungakiekie Subdivision

Christopher Carroll is a primary school teacher. He has been a board member at two different schools in Auckland. Christopher is passionate about using the local board to the benefit of youth in our community and making a difference beyond the classroom.

“I see putting myself forward as a candidate as a mode of service in line with my experiences as a teacher and a school board member. As an educator, I am always focused on how things can be made better for my students. I know this skill is transferable to being a member of the Maungakiekie-Tāmaki Local Board. My students will tell you I am a listener, full of energy, and motivated. I want to serve our community and get the very best for the constituents of Onehunga, One Tree Hill, and Oranga”.

Glenda Fryer was born and raised in Onehunga and grew up attending local schools and churches. She has now returned to play an active part of the lives of her two grandchildren.

Glenda has local government experience as a three term Auckland City Councillor, including Chair of the Planning and Regulatory Committee, and three terms on Community and Local Boards. A published author, and former AUT Business School lecturer, Glenda presently serves as Treasurer of the Auckland Community Housing Trust.

“Maungakiekie has many playgrounds, sports, and community facilities, for families to enjoy. Along with our footpaths they need to be kept safe and in good order for the community to use”

Glenda knows how to get things done and deliver for the community

Malaina Taufa is a proud Onehunga local, community advocate and Warriors fan. She has been integrated with her community for years through Te Papapa School, Te Papapa Rugby Club and as a volunteer with the Community Op Shop in To Wahi.

She initiated our school PTA (Te Tirakaitautoko), co-founded Whānau VA—a parent empowerment group—and now leads Te Iti Kahurangi – Lalaga. She’s also a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.

“I am grounded in my faith, culture, and community. I believe the heart of Maungakiekie is its people - working together to build stronger communities and making positive changes for a better future.”

Maungakiekie-Tāmaki Local Board, Tāmaki Subdivision

Dianna Fuka moved to New Zealand from Tonga thirty years ago to seek better opportunities for her family. As a mother and grandmother she cares deeply about assisting vulnerable families and empowering young people to succeed. As a non-profit worker she advocates for secure, healthy and sustainable housing for New Zealanders.

With strong community ties, Dianna believes that collaboration is key to achieving lasting and meaningful change.

Dianna says “I am determined to tackle the challenges of climate change, expand housing options, improve public transportation in Tāmaki, and preserve our environment. Voting for me on the Maungakiekie–Tāmaki Local Board means truly supporting climate solutions, community strength, and a promising future for us all”.

Nerissa Henry is a dedicated local government leader and community advocate from East Auckland. A third-term elected member of the Maungakiekie-Tāmaki Local Board and the Mount Wellington Licensing Turst, she also serves on the Tūpuna Maunga Authority and the Auckland Conservation Board. With over 15 years of governance experience, Nerissa has contributed to initiatives in conservations, waste minimisation and community development. In 2023 she stood as the Labour Party candidate for the Pakuranga electorate. Of Cook Island, Māori (Ngāpuhi, Ngāi Takoto, Ngāti Awa), English and Native American descent, Nerissa is committed to enhancing representation and equity in local government. A mother of three, she brings her lived experience to her advocacy for inclusive and sustainable communities.

Maria Meredith brings over 25 years of experience in governance and advocacy. She has served as on the Maungakiekie-Tāmaki Local Board since 2018 and as Chair since April 2021.

She champions community safety, youth and senior engagement, sustainability, improved transport, and local business support. Her background spans education, trust boards, church, community health, and disability services.

A Glen Innes resident for 40 years, Maria remains deeply connected to the local community. As a mother of four and proud grandparent, she is committed to building a safer, more connected, and thriving Tāmaki for future generations.

"It's a privilege to represent our people and continue building a strong, inclusive, and resilient community."

Deborah Misiuepa has deep roots in Tāmaki, having lived, worked, and played there for generations. She’s held leadership roles across local government, tertiary education, sports, marae and housing development which reflects her desire to uplift and strengthen community.

As a proud local, Deborah offers a diverse perspective, built on lived experience, whanau centric approaches, collaborative leadership, with a focus on outcomes that reflect the voices, needs, and hopes of the people.

Deborah says "Tāmaki’s transformation isn’t only about buildings and growth — it’s led by the resilience, creativity, and heart of its people." She is standing for the local board because she believes in diversity, a continued commitment to deliver on outcomes with strong, collaborative leadership that is responsive, community-led, and future-focused.

Mount Wellington Licensing Trust

Megan Clark grew up in Papatoetoe and now lives in Mt Wellington.

As a former Library Manager Megan brings skills of leadership, governance, and an ability to focus on practical solutions alongside a love of community service.

Megan has prior trust experience as the chair of the PSA Childcare Trust and extensive experience in volunteering in her community.

Megan says “I believe strongly in the goals of the Mount Wellington Licensing Trust, which stands for serving the community, maximising return on assets, and community giving. I’m passionate about the ever-changing community landscape and the amazing diversity of people in the Mount Wellington community, and I’m eager to be part of an organisation that serves to empower and support local communities to succeed.”

Will Matthews is a Union Organiser and Auckland FC season ticket holder who has lived in Mount Wellington for eight years – making it official in 2024 when he and his wife purchased their first home in the area, where they recently welcomed their first child. Will believes passionately in empowering communities to act together to become stronger as a whole and is excited by the potential of Mount Wellington Licensing Trust to achieve this through strong community investment.

With experience as a director of multiple commercial and not-for-profit entities, Will also understands the need for good governance through strong strategic and financial management.

“In Mount Wellington we’re privileged to have areas of outstanding natural beauty, diverse neighbourhoods, and passionate community leaders. There’s huge potential here, and I’ve got the ambition and the experience to support our community to unlock it”.

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