Shan Ng - Candidate for Pukehīnau/Lambton Ward

Tell us a bit about your (and/or your family’s) New Zealand journey. (in 400 words please)

Born and bred in Malaysia, I have spent many years living abroad in different countries before making NZ my home 16 years ago. NZ is internationally recognised for its pure environment , good quality of living, political stability and I couldn’t agree more. NZ is a nation of immigrants. The face of New Zealanders are changing. I hope my daughter and her generation will continue to make NZ her home.

What motivated/prompted you to stand for local government elections this time? Please also indicate which area/position you are standing for.

I’m running for Lambton Ward and Capital & Coast DHB. Time to shake things up in the council as I find there’s lack of progress in certain areas and we can do better. I want to stand up, be counted and be the voice of Wellingtonians. I’m doing this for people of all races so that one day, they will do the same for others irrespective where they are from. Above all, I want to effectively represent those who may feel that they may not have enjoyed effective representation in the past.

What are the issues concerning the area (ward/council/city) you are standing in? (please list four main)

The 4 main issues concerning Lambton Ward:

  • Endless rates rise

  • Mindless spending on vanity projects – we need to go back to basics

  • Huge legal costs spent defending council decisions resulted from poor or no consultation

  • Traffic congestion

Christchurch mosque attacks changed/or should have changed/ how multiculturalism is viewed in New Zealand. Please share some concrete suggestions on how all of us can work together to make Aoteoroa New Zealand a more diverse, inclusive, and multicultural society.

Today, NZ is home to more than 200 ethnicities and 160 languages.

Building inclusion and embracing diversity need to start at the top.

Having a powerful leadership can set the tone.

Employers and businesses can take the lead by embedding diversity and inclusiveness in their workplace.

Also, we need representations from diverse ethnic background to step up as leaders and be role models.

It’s going to take a lot of courage from those who are willing to use their voices to speak up to make these changes.

It can also start with food! Food has a way of bringing people together.

NZ Local Govt ElectionsMulticultural TimesWellington candidatesComment