Introducing Jessica Rose

Kia ora, I’m Jessica Rose — a passionate advocate for local decision-making, connected neighbourhoods, and meeting the challenges of climate change head-on.

First elected to council in 2016, I’ve been working for West Auckland for most of my adult life. My new Glen Eden home (previously Avondale) brings me closer to family, and I’ve been asked by friends and colleagues to bring my wealth of governance experience to our Local Board. 

On the board, I've led portfolios across transport, environment, and community development. I’ve worked hard to integrate climate action into decision making — from how we plan our neighbourhoods to how we strengthen local resilience. I support more public transport, (with cheaper fares!), smarter density, and investment in nature-based solutions that cool our city and restore biodiversity. I’m also a big fan of community planting days and wild coastline clean-ups, anything that gets people outside and engaged with protecting te taiao (the natural world).

My journey into local government wasn’t exactly traditional. I began as a volunteer, leading community activations — from safer commutes to creating public spaces people actually want to spend time in. That hands-on, people-first approach still guides me today.

I hold a business degree and an anthropology degree — a combination that gives me both a strategic mindset and a deep understanding of people and culture. Over the years, I’ve served on the Manukau Harbour Forum, Auckland’s Climate Advisory Panel, and Women in Urbanism. I’ve self-built an eco-home with my husband and I love to create: My winter hobby is knitting — that is, when I’m not trying to grow things in the garden or playing tabletop boardgames with friends.

I know politics can feel distant — or even boring — but it doesn’t have to be. I try to keep things real, with a sense of humour. I had to laugh at myself, when back around 2019 I was surprised with an award for “most looks like the community they serve” while spending the day sporting leopard print at a national Young Elected Members conference. It wasn't a dress up, I was just trying to make a good impression in my smart-casuals.

My priority, climate change, isn’t something far off. It’s here, and it’s urgent. But I truly believe we can tackle it together — with courage, connection, and care. I’m not here for performative politics. I’m here to do the hard work, collaborate with good people, and protect the environment that sustains us all. This is why I feel grateful to be able to be a part of the Future West team. Dedicated to a future for Waitākere that’s safer, more equitable, and genuinely great for all who live here.

For more information see my website Jess Rose for Waitākere or my facebook page.