Who is she?

I’m Emma — a qualified urban planner originally from Whangārei, now based in Tāmaki Makaurau / Auckland for the past 13 years.

I hold degrees in Communications, Design, and Urban Planning.

I’m an advocate for community development, safe neighbourhoods and towns, an elected member of the Albert-Eden Local Board, an illustrator, graphic designer, writer, and speaker. And my favourite — and most important — role: I’m also a mother.

I am passionate about equitable and inclusive towns and cities. I co-founded Women in Urbanism in 2018 as a response to equity issues I could see both within the industries that build our cities, and on the streets, public spaces and transport systems we use everyday.

I also founded the Waterview Community & Enviro Hub in 2025, to better connect residents to one another. We are together building a community that is strong, resilient and trusting in one another. We know this will make a safer community for us all. Community Hubs are vital infrastructure, and having a network of sustainable places community can gather in as their “third spaces” is critically important.