Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this article do not reflect the position of The Indian Weekender. We encourage respectful dialogue and welcome diverse perspectives.
Authorised by Kamini Schoonbee of North Shore, 0210741304
Kamini Schoonbee has entered the 2025 local elections as a candidate for the Devonport–Takapuna Local Board, standing on the Communities and Residents (C&R) ticket.
Her family story spans three countries. With ancestors who migrated from India to South Africa in 1860, Schoonbee was born and raised in South Africa before moving to New Zealand with her husband in 2008. She describes the journey as one that taught her “resilience, adaptability, and the importance of contributing to the communities we are part of.”
Since settling on Auckland’s North Shore, Schoonbee and her family have immersed themselves in community life. They marked their first wedding anniversary in Takapuna, enrolled their daughter in music and gymnastics classes at the North Shore Brass Band Hall, and supported productions at The Pumphouse Theatre for more than a decade. Her daughter’s love of books was sparked at the Devonport Library, and performing at the Diwali Festival was inspired by local arts.
“My family has built our lives here, and the people, places, and services around us have shaped that journey. Now it’s my turn to give back,” she said. “Serving on the Devonport–Takapuna Local Board is my way of protecting the future of this special part of Auckland.”
Professionally, Schoonbee is an Associate Chartered Accountant with a postgraduate qualification in Forensic and Investigative Auditing. She has worked across industries including IT, shipping, transport, FMCG and security, and now manages her own business. She points to finance, transparency and accountability as her key strengths. In preparation for her candidacy, she has attended board meetings in Devonport–Takapuna and neighbouring areas and served on the board of her local community centre, where she says she learned to balance fiscal responsibility with community needs.
Stormwater resilience will be at the centre of her campaign, an issue that became personal after being directly affected by the Anniversary floods. “My top priority is securing a robust, future-proof stormwater solution, one that protects homes and businesses, supports housing growth, and keeps our beaches and waterways clean,” she said. She also intends to advocate for the protection of community facilities and green spaces, from libraries and sports fields to arts venues, as well as ensuring transparent, value-for-money budgets.
Schoonbee said she was proud to stand as part of the six-member C&R team for Devonport–Takapuna. The ticket includes former board chair George Wood, Gavin Busch, Neil Zent, Mike Single and Kaumosi Opie. “Together, we offer practical thinking, a common-sense approach, and a deep care for both our environment and our people,” she said.
Encouraging residents to back the full team, she added, “with a full team at the table, we can face the challenges ahead and deliver results for Devonport–Takapuna.”
Authorised by Kamini Schoonbee of North Shore, 0210741304
Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this article do not reflect the position of The Indian Weekender. We encourage respectful dialogue and welcome diverse perspectives.
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