After serving two terms on the Puketāpapa Local Board, member Bobby Shen is saying goodbye to local body politics. Bobby leaves behind a proud contribution to the board over the six years of serving his community. A Roskill boy through and through, he grew up and is still living in the Puketāpapa area; serving on the local board was one way of giving back.
Community focussed
Local board politics is for the community, and Bobby was a strong advocate for a number of community projects, such as the investment in stream restoration, especially with the implementation of the tohu project in Te Auaunga/Oakley Creek and the rejuvenation of Wairaki Stream in Lynfield.
He also worked collaboratively on the Area Plan for parts of Puketāpapa and the Albert-Eden Local Boards, partnering with mana whenua to address housing growth areas with a 30-year vision. This is a critical document for that formed the basis of the board’s response to Kāinga Ora’s urban development in the rohe.
Chair Ella Kumar praises Bobby’s commitment to the community.
“We highly valued the contribution Bobby has made to the Puketāpapa Local Board over the past six years. Bobby has brought a lot of energy and passion to the role, and with his involvement on the different groups and organisations. It’s been an absolute pleasure to work with Bobby and we wish him all the best for the future.”
Leading with passion
Sustainability is a big driver for Bobby which touches all parts of his life and work. He proudly championed low carbon and sustainability initiatives with determination, leading to better paths for walking and cycling, increasing tree coverage, and more efficient facilities.
Other key responsibilities included the resource consent delegate role, using his professional background in architecture to guide conversations about planning applications that come to the board for comment, as well as the alternate lead for liquor licences for a half term.
Te Reo Māori involvement and diversity
Puketāpapa is one of the most diverse areas in New Zealand, and as a Chinese-New Zealander, Bobby understood the importance of connecting with ethnic minorities and how diverse Puketāpapa is.
As a tangata tiriti, he completed two years at Te Wānanga o Aotearoa where he worked towards becoming proficient in te reo Māori and tikanga Māori, which he then incorporated into his local board work and meetings.
A lasting impression
After serving as a local board member from 2019 – 2025, Bobby leaves behind a proud legacy as an engaged and passionate elected member for Puketāpapa.
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