Volunteer for youth

MaryAnne Puno, 26, Greenhithe, co-leader at Girl Guiding New Zealand’s Te Atatu Peninsula Pippin unit.

What do you like best about west Auckland?

We have commercial hubs, massive creativity, gorgeous bush and beaches a stone’s throw away, and diverse, warm people.

How long have you lived here and where are you originally from?

I’ve lived in west Auckland area and North Harbour for six years. My family and I are originally from the Philippines.

What do you like least and how can we fix it?

Every time I hear someone screaming up the road behind our house it drives me insane. I’ve seen far too many friends get into accidents.

Where the best place to buy dinner in the west?

Wood fire pizzas at Origins Westgate and everything at Et Tu Bistro. Everything.

And who does the best fish and chips?

The Fish Stop in Glen Eden, you can get gluten free batter. Bishop Street Takeaways in Green Bay is also pretty awesome.

Who is the Kiwi you admire most - and why?

The Kiwis I admire most are our educators. I admire people who share their knowledge and experiences to enrich others’ lives. That’s a big part of why I work and volunteer where I do.

If I was Auckland’s Mayor...

Make public transport more accessible and affordable to hopefully free up the roads and then work on how to support first-home buyers and renters throughout Auckland. When I’ve got a free few hours I like to .... Curl up with a good book or dissecting the latest release at the cinema in winter. In the summer my friends and I love to walk explore the beaches or hit the trails.