Ngā kaitono ā-rohe pōti 2025Ward candidates 2025

Albany Ward

Independent

Candidate statement

As an independent representative of our community it has allowed me to address community concerns and achieve positive outcomes without having a pre determined position. It has been a privilege & honour to work for our community over the years & I look forward to representing our community should I have the honour to serve you again.

Albany Ward

Fix Auckland

Candidate statement

Gary Brown, a proven local leader, is currently the Deputy Chair of the Hibiscus and Bays Local Board and a local businessman. He has consistently championed community projects and delivered results. With over 30 years of deep roots in the community, including extensive involvement with North Harbour Rugby and the Silverdale Rugby Club, Gary possesses a profound understanding of the Albany Ward's diverse needs. Gary advocates for locals, wise investment in infrastructure to create a thriving, world-class Auckland. His common-sense approach prioritises empowering local boards, embracing innovation, and ensuring transparent, accountable leadership for better services and value for money. Fix Auckland believes that Victoria Short and Gary Brown will be powerful advocates for the Albany Ward, working tirelessly to ensure the Council focuses on essential services, fiscal responsibility, and tangible improvements for residents.

Albany Ward

Candidate statement

For 23 years, I have been out, in the community, building on the ground, wading through the councils red tape. Not sitting in boardrooms, writing reports for meetings. I stand to speak up for the end user of the council, You. I want to put a spanner in the cogs, stop the status quo, speak up and ask the awkward questions so you can get the answers you deserve. Enough consultants, enough meetings about meetings. No more unnecessary expensive art. Lets get progress to the people. Like chasing out developers trying to run down Golf Courses to enable developing. Let us build seawalls to protect our coastal properties and communities without an expensive fight. I call a spade a spade and make no apologies to those who don't think it is. And no, this was not generated by AI, just a hard working, hammer swinging builder that is fed up.

Albany Ward

Candidate statement

I believe that its time for a new generation of leadership to pull us out of the governance frustrations we feel in the city we love. We all know there is great potential here and I refuse to leave and follow opportunities overseas like so many. I'm willing to put my name forward to fight on your behalf to bring about positive, progressive changes that will help every Auckland resident. I am going to pursue community and shared spaces to be able to foster more community engagement and opportunities, work towards getting everyone free and effective public transport, and empower people to fill the empty storefronts that litter the city. We know the city can be better because we've seen when Auckland was a global leader, I want to see us create a city that is resilient and something we can be proud of. I will fight for that future.

Albany Ward

ACT Local

Candidate statement

Time and again, ratepayers have been let down by Auckland Council with unaffordable rates hikes, wasteful spending on vanity projects, and more ineffective ideologically-driven 'robin-hood' funding to special-interest groups. It’s time to give Council a wake-up call and focus on what matters in Albany. As a barrister and solicitor of the High Court, current member of Hibiscus and Bays Local Board, and Justice of the Peace, I have the practical and legal expertise needed to challenge council waste and ensure that ratepayers' money is spent wisely. By voting for me as an ACT Local candidate, you know what you are going to get: I will stop unaffordable rates hikes, end the Council’s war on cars, reject all race-based policies, and protect our local community by advocating for a permanent Ōrewa seawall. If you want to see common sense back around the council table, please give me one of your votes.

Albany Ward

Candidate statement

An Upper Harbour Local Board Member, volunteer Scout leader (9+ years); and Social Entrepreneur delivering employment and healthier housing (10+ years), I will continue serving local communities. I’ve strong links to Hibiscus, Bays, Rodney, Upper Harbour and understand why ‘Supercity’ is inefficient after 7 years in Finance, a Massey University Economics degree, and 5 years of Auckland Council Project Management. I’m deeply concerned. Elected Members and organisations must work together to overcome challenges - not delay for political reasons. Climate change is a proven threat – we’re already encountering escalating disasters and economic shocks, and are underprepared. Native species extinctions. Crops lost to development. Infrastructure failing. Costs increasing. Council needs courageous, collaborative governance; 100-year strategic approach: proactive planning, future-proof investment, resilient infrastructure, advocacy for diverse communities’ needs, support for youth, disabled, arts, community, environment. Let’s have the hard conversations and collaborate to deliver meaningful results for Climate, Council and Community.

Albany Ward

Fix Auckland

Candidate statement

I want to deliver practical, results-focused leadership for the Albany Ward. With 12 years of experience navigating local and central government - I know how to get things done. As a trained accountant, I'll bring scrutiny and sound financial decision-making, driving value for every dollar our Council spends. I believe in transparent, accountable decision-making and keeping Council focused on what matters: fixing infrastructure, supporting local businesses, and improving community services. We need a team working at our Council table to deliver for Auckland. My work as a volunteer trustee for Life Education North Shore truly reflects my dedication to our youth and community. I'm here to listen to residents, fix what's broken, and fiercely advocate for the East Coast Bays, Hibiscus Coast, and Upper Harbour. Working constructively with fellow Councillors to cut waste, and drive progress for this wonderful city. Vote for me to ensure we fix Auckland Council.

Albany Ward

Putting People First

Candidate statement

Wayne Walker brings leadership, experience, total commitment, integrity, values to Council. Albany Councillor Wayne's battled effectively for you on things that matter: saving North Harbour Stadium, progressing Penlink, wardwide flood recovery, water, wastewater, transport investment projects like Glenvar Road, ferries at West Harbour, Gulf Harbour, Hobsonville, reducing rates. Working with; strongly backing communities Wayne champions campaigns to ‘KeepTheCourse’ at Takapuna and Gulf Harbour, Western Springs Rugby, Concerts, Speedway, save Hobsonville Wasp Hangar for recreation, Orewa Beachfront reserve, saving heritage. Wayne gets things done, does his homework, always available - unafraid to question and challenge council for you. NZ champion public speaking, degree business organization, project management, past business owner-manager. Throughout life in the Ward, Wayne and wife Julie involve themselves in coaching, early childhood, church, local schools wardwide their children attended. Wayne's incredibly effective teamwork with John Watson on Council makes the difference. Putting People First (www.puttingpeoplefirst.nz) for Albany.

Albany Ward

Putting People First

Candidate statement

John is an experienced, dedicated councillor with a proven track record delivering for our communities.100% independent, his top priority is the people he represents. With a background in educational, sporting and community organisations, John brings honest, open leadership grounded in family and community values. He ‘walks the talk’, holding council leadership to account while achieving real results for our area. This term saving North Harbour Stadium and securing record billion-dollar investment in new transport and infrastructure projects. Also acquiring funding for important community projects including Flood Recovery, Scott Point Sports, Rosedale Station, Glenvar Road, ferry & bus enhancements, Orewa seawall, library upgrades. Accelerating Penlink construction, supporting harbour crossing. John’s one of the only councillors to firmly oppose unsustainable rate increases and wasteful spending. Works as a team with Wayne Walker, protecting our public reserves, golf courses, speedway, marinas and local assets. Absolutely committed to advancing every community’s future interests (www.puttingpeoplefirst.nz).