Nick Turoa - Auckland Council

I’m privileged to be leading work at Council focused on making Tāmaki Makaurau a place where Māori can thrive. This means working with my team, alongside mana whenua and Māori communities, to support long-term outcomes, from strengthening marae as community anchors, to investing in important kaupapa and projects, and building partnerships across the region that enable cultural, social and economic growth.

 At its heart, this work is about potential. It’s about creating a city where identity, culture and opportunity are visible, valued and able to flourish, and where Māori success is seen as central to Auckland’s success as a whole. For the region to truly thrive, all of our communities need to succeed.

 But we also have to be honest about the reality in front of us. Too many whānau are still facing real hardship, including housing insecurity and homelessness. If we’re serious about the future we’re trying to build, then we need to respond to that as well, with care, practical support, and a sense of shared responsibility.

 That’s why I’m backing the Auckland City Mission through the Cook Off. The Mission’s work is immediate and tangible, providing meals, support, and dignity to people who need it most. It’s a simple but powerful contribution to the kind of city we’re all trying to create.

 Cooking has always been my happy place. Back home on my marae you’ll usually find me in the kauta (kitchen) with the cuzzies, getting a meal ready for our manuhiri (visitors). For me, there’s something grounding about that, bringing people together through kai and looking after each other.

And to be honest, there’s also a bit of personal motivation close to home - my boss Phil set a strong benchmark last year. I’m aiming to beat it in 2026.