Introducing Hannah Slade

Kia ora, My name is Hannah and I live in the beautiful coastal village of Piha. I decided to stand for the Waitākere Ranges Local Board after the cyclone hit in 2023. Like so many others, I felt worried and frustrated —about under‑investment in the West, and the state of our roads and drains, and about our homes and how we’ll cope with more frequent and intense weather events.

Life is tough right now, and many people have lost trust in politics. It’s no wonder when decisions often feel like they’re made for us, not with us. I’m running because I want to help give people a voice. Many of us feel the ‘supercity’ model hasn’t worked well for the West, and I’m passionate about making sure our communities have a genuine say in decisions that affect us. As a Westie and a member of the disability community, I understand how it feels when policies don’t work for everyday people. We deserve better.

Over the past twenty years, I’ve worked in programme management and community engagement roles, with a focus on participation and inclusion. Currently, I’m the Accessibility Programme Coordinator for the Auckland Arts Festival. I have experience of working in grassroots community groups, working with new migrants and refugees and the disability community. I actually started my working life with the Auckland Regional Council, recording the oral histories of people who lived and worked in our beautiful regional parks. These roles have taught me how to listen deeply, build strong connections, and work with communities to make sure every voice is heard and valued.

I’m a mum of two young adult children, and my partner is a park ranger. We’ve called Piha home for over 20 years (and before that in Huia)- and we absolutely love this special place — its beaches, its bush tracks, and its down‑to‑earth people. You might have spotted me singing with friends in a mom‑band at one of our West Auckland RSAs or bowling clubs, or with my partner and kids out enjoying the walking tracks of te Wao Nui a Tiriwa.

I want to help protect this beautiful place and way of life, so that my children, and generations to come can enjoy the same life that we’ve been so grateful for.

I’m proud to be standing alongside a strong team under the Future West banner. We all care deeply and together, we’re committed to working hard for our people, our communities, and our environment — making sure the West is cared for, now and into the future.