We will work hard to ensure the best for our communities. That Upper Harbour is a place that we all love to call home.
Anna Atkinson
Anna has lived on the North Shore most of her life and currently lives in Paremoremo with her husband, two children and a menagerie of animals.
She is currently serving her second term on the board and is chair of the Upper Harbour Local Board. Anna is a strong and independent voice on the Local Board, while being part of the Living Upper Harbour team.
She has achieved some great community projects such as the installation of toilets in Whenuapai, a playground at Observation Green Scott Point, saving North Harbour Stadium from an uncertain future, and advocating for better planning for fast growing areas such as Whenuapai.
Anna is passionate about active transport and safety and has been a key driver of many of the projects making it safer especially for children getting to school.
Anna is very driven to ensure our community spaces are suitable for all. This includes more spaces for youth, more skate and basketball options and better community facilities. Anna believes in strong local advocacy, great facilities, protecting and enhancing our environment, listening, and making sensible decisions on public spending.
Anna knows that our fast growing communities need investment. She works hard to make that happen.
Anna is a chartered accountant bringing financial expertise and business experience to local governance. In her spare time she volunteers with local sports clubs and environmental groups, gardens and participates in sports such as sailing, cycling, and exploring our parks with her family and dog.
Rebecca Huang
Rebecca is a young, innovative leader with a strong commitment to community wellbeing and a future-focused vision for Upper Harbour.
She is seeking her first term on the Upper Harbour Local Board and will bring a young and fresh vision to that role.
She believes that a connected community is a safe community — and this is the foundation of her vision for Upper Harbour.
With leadership experience as prefect at Rangitoto College and several years as chair of the Upper Harbour Youth Council, Rebecca brings both energy and proven dedication to the region and its people.
Rebecca is committed to building a resilient economy, advocating for reliable transport solutions, and helping shape a well-resourced, safe, and connected community.
As Upper Harbour continues to grow rapidly, Rebecca recognises the need for thoughtful planning and smart investment to ensure the area remains a great place for families.
Supporting local groups, cultures, and communities is a top priority for her, and she understands that reliable roads and public transport are key to productivity and safety.
Standing with the experienced Living Upper Harbour team, Rebecca offers a fresh perspective and a strong work ethic. She is honest, driven, and ready to listen — focused on delivering accessible, decisive action during this critical period of growth.
Rebecca is ready to serve Upper Harbour.
Kyle Parker
Kyle is a committed Upper Harbour Local Board Member, strategically focussed on planning for the future needs of our diverse North and West communities. He strongly advocates for increased local funding from government; proactively planned, climate resilient; 100 year strategic planning; stronger relationships with Mana Whenua; and inclusive solutions to better support youth, disabled, and all ethnicities.
Kyle knows how to collaborate to get things done at Council in partnership with our local Community champions, council officers and businesses. He has 9-years’ service as a volunteer Scout Leader, 5 years’ as an Auckland Council Project Manager, and 7 years’ in Finance. Ten years ago, Kyle Founded Sustain & Enable, a local Community Enterprise that connects people to meaningful work helping others live in healthier, energy-efficient homes; and out of poverty.
Kyle is married with two children, and loves music, movies, and reading as well as travel, camping and the outdoors. Kyle has a Business Degree in Natural Resource and Environmental Economics from Massey University (Albany) and a double handful of professional qualifications in Project Management and Sustainability.
Working with Living Upper Harbour and other Elected Members, Kyle has helped our diverse communities and staff connect to each other and their natural environment, prepare for emergencies, waste less, plan better, and play more. He regularly encourages politicians and constituents to have the hard conversations and collaborate to deliver meaningful, long-term results for Community, Council and Climate.
Sylvia Yang
As your current local board member, Sylvia has had the privilege of supporting projects that deliver real benefits to our growing Upper Harbour community.
These include progress on a new Albany Library, completion of the Observation Green playground, Upper Harbour’s first Open Arts Studio, increased investment in crime prevention, and the Ethnic People’s Plan to reflect our growing diversity.
Sylvia brings inclusive leadership, strong community connections, and a practical, future-focused, community first approach to decision-making. She volunteers with Harbour Hospice and local organisations, and leads programmes that support youth, arts, culture, and intergenerational wellbeing.
Sylvia has lived in Auckland for over 30 years and brings professional experience in banking, business development, and international film production. She has completed a Master’s in Technological Futures and offers both strategic thinking and lived experience.
She believes short-sighted and excessive rate increases are unsustainable. Sylvia supports responsible spending, long-term investment, and exploring new income streams. She also advocates for smart planning, fit-for-purpose infrastructure, and climate resilience.
As a mother, daughter, and granddaughter, Sylvia wants Upper Harbour to be a place where everyone — regardless of age, background, or abilities — feels safe, included, and proud to belong.
An independent voice with Living Upper Harbour, Sylvia works hard to ensure every voice is heard and every dollar counts.
Outside her governance work, she enjoys calligraphy, dancing, movies, meditation, travelling, exploring Aotearoa with her whānau, and organising vibrant arts and culture events for the community.
Living Upper Harbour 