Read the full transcript of this video or watch in New Zealand Sign Language.
Mayor
Key responsibilities
- Promoting a vision for Auckland.
- Providing leadership to achieve the vision.
- Leading the development of council plans, policies and budgets.
- Ensuring effective engagement between Auckland Council and the people of Auckland.
- Appointing the deputy mayor.
- Establishing committees of the Governing Body and appointing a chairperson for each committee.
On a typical day, the Mayor of Auckland might:
- give an interview on breakfast radio
- talk to media about plans for Auckland's economic recovery
- give the opening address at a climate change conference
- receive a briefing from staff on a new council initiative
- meet with police and councillors to discuss community safety
- read reports before chairing the monthly Governing Body meeting
- attend a fundraiser for Starship Hospital.
Councillors
Councillors make decisions that address the needs of Auckland as a whole. All councillors are members of the Governing Body.
Visit Elected members' remuneration for more information on this process.
Key responsibilities
- Attend monthly governing body and committee meetings.
- Attend hearings conducted by local boards in their ward areas.
- Attend meetings and workshops with local boards, council employees and external parties as required for individual projects.
- Read plans, reports and agendas, and other meeting preparation work.
- Engage with the public, including attending events and public meetings, and liaising with residents and community groups.
- Work alongside the chairperson and members of local boards in their ward to address issues raised by their constituents.
Visit Governing Body to learn more about their roles and responsibilities.
On a typical day, a councillor might:
- attend a Governing Body or committee meeting
- meet with water specialists to discuss options for improving water levels in Auckland's dams
- hear an update on progress in preventing the spread of kauri dieback
- speak to residents as part of a consultation about a new bylaw
- talk to media about plans for Auckland's waterfront.
Local board members
Local boards make decisions on local issues like local amenities, parks and sporting facilities, setting the vision for their area that will help build strong communities.
They identify and communicate the views of local people on regional decisions and policies, and represent the board within the community and at regional level.
Key responsibilities
- Make decisions on local matters.
- Develop and adopt local board plans.
- Engage with local community.
- Propose local bylaws and local targeted rates.
Local board members may also take on responsibility for a particular area or portfolio, such as events or parks.
They may be asked to sit on local board committees, such as funding committees.
On a typical day, a local board member might:
- attend the local board's business meeting to decide on the development of a new community hall
- meet with a community group to discuss how to obtain a community grant
- engage community members to discuss priorities for the development of the three-year local board plan
- workshop options with council employees to create a new local reserve
- attend the Governing Body meeting to propose a new local bylaw
- attend the monthly meeting of a residents' association
- respond to media queries.
Visit About local boards for more information.
What to expect
Being an elected member at any level is a serious commitment, even though your responsibilities and hours will vary according to the office you represent and serve.
It is also a public role and will put you in the spotlight. You will be called upon to speak at meetings and events, and the media may ask for your views on certain topics.
If you are thinking of becoming a candidate, you should consider how you might balance the requirements and responsibilities of the role with other commitments in your life.
Allowances, benefits, health, safety and wellbeing
We provide our elected members with:
- a laptop and phone
- annual flu vaccinations
- ergonomic assessments to ensure any workstation or office furniture used is comfortable and correctly set up
- confidential resources and services to help manage personal or work-related challenges (including the Employee Assistance Programme)
- travel costs when on Auckland Council business
- professional development programmes and conferences.
Staying safe during your campaign
Running in a local election means stepping into the public eye. This can attract more attention and criticism. It can also lead to the risk of abuse or harassment towards you or your family.
It's important to think about what you can do to keep yourself and your loved ones safe during your campaign. If you experience serious abuse or harassment, contact:
They can offer guidance and support on how to respond.
Tips for staying safe
- Social media: Use separate accounts for your campaign, not your personal ones. Set your private profiles to 'locked' or 'private' if you can.
- Contact details: Use a special email and phone number for your campaign, not your personal or work accounts.
- Public events: Stay aware of what is around you. Know where the exits are and how to ask for help if needed.
- Managing conflict: If someone gets upset, stay calm. Try not to make things worse. If needed, walk away from the situation.
Balancing public engagement with staying safe can be a challenge. Voters need to hear from you, but your safety - and your family’s - comes first.
Think about what boundaries and safety measures are right for you. Remember that abuse and harassment are never okay.
Guide to safe election campaigning
Local Government New Zealand has created a candidate safety guide containing advice.
