Communities and Residents (C&R) is pleased to introduce its strong team of seven candidates standing for the Waitematā Local Board in the 2025 Auckland Local Body Elections.
New C&R nominees Nick Nielson, Leo Grachev, Muy Chhour, and Anne Batley-Burton join incumbents Greg Moyle, Allan Matson and myself who have been re-selected.
The challenges facing the Waitematā Local Board are significant – from transport, intensification and crime; to the Hauraki Gulf, city parks, and the future of Auckland’s City Centre. C&R’s team is committed to representing you openly and effectively, ensuring your voice is heard.
Each of C&R’s candidates brings a wealth of experience – ranging from business and heritage preservation; to social services, environmental protection, and animal welfare. This broad-based team has the transferable skills, strong values and community insight. We’ll bring practical, inclusive leadership back to the boardroom. You can count on that.
Our team offers a fresh, community-first approach, backed by real-world experience. We are committed to restoring accountability. This skilled team is ready to work hard for you.
New C&R Candidate Profiles:
Nick Nielson - With over a decade as a local business owner and active community member, Nick has deep roots in Waitemata. He sees the clear need for focused leadership and tangible results that benefit our neighbourhoods.
Nick's extensive board experience includes five years on the Ponsonby Business Association, including a chair on the Safety and Security Committee—leading initiatives to enhance and protect our community's wellbeing, while promoting thriving businesses.
Nick offers bold, transparent leadership backed by lived experience, strategic insight, a clear commitment to action, and most of all a passion for Waitemata.
Leo Grachev – Passionate about making Waitematā the best place to live and work, Leo is a next generation leader. The son of hardworking immigrants, Leo champions small business owners. Leo recognises the need to address antisocial behaviour and make our city centre and suburbs safer. Leo believes council can do better to deliver more cost-effective, democratic solutions and that something must be done to get Auckland out of gridlock.
Muy Chhour – Having been involved in business, in Auckland, most of her life, Muy brings deep experience to the team. For five years, Muy served as Chairperson for the Karangahape Road Business Association. She is passionate about making our city more liveable and safer for all. Muy’s experience brings a balanced, commonsense approach to resolving issues in our city.
Anne Batley-Burton – A Parnell local, Anne brings decades of entrepreneurial experience. She is known for her integrity, determination, and getting things done. Her major concerns surround crime and congestion, which are destroying the fabric of our city.
A leading voice for animal welfare through educating the community about care and responsibility for their pets, Anne is the Founder of The New Zealand Cat Foundation.
About C&R:
Existing for over 85 years, C&R is a voluntary grass-roots association of members and is the longest-standing political group in Auckland’s Local Government. We believe Auckland has the potential to be one of the world’s greatest cities and are proud to stand for responsible spending, intergenerational sustainability, accountable local representation, and putting people before politics. (Sarah Trotman)
To contact Sarah Trotman, in her capacity as a C&R Member, email her at sarahtrotman@outlook.com To contact her, in her capacity as an Elected Member of Auckland Council’s Waitematā Local Board, email her at sarah.trotman@aucklandcouncil.govt.nz or you can give her a call on M: 021 487 583.
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1 comment
This is the team to lead Waitemata forward.