Disclaimer
The information on this page has been provided by the candidates. It does not reflect the views or positions of Auckland Council.
Matt ZWARTZ
Candidate for Albert-Eden-Puketāpapa Ward
Candidate statement
Every year, Auckland’s report card says the same thing: 'Real potential: lacks imagination and application.' As New Zealand’s biggest city and regional economy, we have a responsibility to do better. I'm standing for both the Albert-Eden Local Board (Ōwairaka Subdivision) and Auckland Council because I’m tired of feeling like Government is something that’s done to us, rather than something that's for us. Priorities: 1. Better Decisions, Better Outcomes. We can unlock new and ongoing value from council assets through creativity and innovation; 2. Local Businesses, Local Life. We have to support our small businesses in order to renew our suburbs and city centre; 3. Honesty and Free Speech. Let’s have civility, but the truth. We’re adults, we can handle it. I don’t know everything - but I do know I’m still idealistic (or stupid) enough to believe I can make a difference. Vote For Matt Zwartz, and let’s find out!
Why I want to be elected
I will advocate for the people of Auckland with conviction on the issue that matters most to us - creating a better place to live. We need to see some fast improvements from Council for our ratepayer contributions than what we're getting currently. This is my first foray into politics and as an independent I'm not backed by any bigger organisation or their agenda. But I have a voice, and I intend to use it. A vote for me is a vote for people, and better advocacy than we've had to date.
My key skills and qualities
Insight, creativity, innovation, and commitment to helping the people of Auckland. I've owned several small businesses and currently work as freelance planner and writer. I am keenly aware of the issues small businesses and people in the gig economy face. I'm also incredibly aware of our cost of living crisis and the pain in our communities it's causing. Council can no longer afford to be profligate with ratepayers money, and should be finding ways to help. I don't understand - why aren't we?
My top three key issues
My three key priorities are: 1: Better decisions. Better outcomes. I stand for ideas, not ideology. Council has to do much better at managing our rates, and that starts with better decisions about WHAT we fund. 2: Local businesses, local life. Council decisions have hurt the vibrancy of our local economy. We can and must do better at supporting local businesses. 3: Our Ground, Our Way. I want to hugely increase funding to community gardens and make it easy for people to create edible berms.
My position on key topics
Transport
Fix the basics first: potholes, footpaths, the choke points. Make buses reliable, safe, and frequent. Cycleways and walkways should connect schools, shops and stations - not waste millions building infrastructure that's empty. Smarter, practical transport solutions that work for everyone, without the ideology or costly experiments. The CRL is a great step forward, but let’s build a network that saves time, supports local life, and keeps Auckland moving instead of stuck in our cars at peak hours.
Water
Water is Auckland’s lifeblood. We need secure supply, high-quality drinking water, and modern wastewater systems. Fix leaks to stop losing millions of litres daily, protect our harbours from stormwater overflows, and invest in infrastructure that keeps pace with growth. Watercare must be transparent and accountable - every dollar spent should deliver reliable services and safeguard our environment. I may be dreaming, but I'd also like to see the cost of water come down!
Built environment
Build smarter, not just bigger. We need more homes people can afford, but not endless sprawl or soulless towers. Growth must come with the pipes, parks and transport to match. Protect the heritage and character of our suburbs while clearing red tape that blocks good projects. Auckland deserves development that works for people. We also need better coordination with central government for community services like schools, because currently - we're stretched to the maximum.
Natural environment
Council must stop pollution at source, upgrade stormwater so beaches are safe after rain, and protect the green space we’ve got left. Plant more trees in hot suburbs, but natives, not the stupid exotic ones that shed leaves and block our drains. I'm a big supporter of edible berms and community planting. I want to see solar and batteries on every council building - it pays off in six years - and hugely increased support to community gardens. They're doing vital work that really helps people!
Community
Strong communities are built on connection and trust. We need safe, welcoming public spaces, libraries and rec centres that actually serve locals, not just tick boxes. Support sports clubs, cultural groups and volunteer networks that bring people together. Back small businesses that keep our suburbs alive. Invest in safety, civility and local facilities that make daily life better. Community isn’t built from council offices - but it certainly has the money and resources to help. Make it happen!
Economic and cultural development
Back the people doing things! Cut red tape for small businesses, fast-track good projects, and fix basics like transport and water so commerce can flow. End the obsession with health and safety that makes things so hard! Activate town centres with markets, night-time economy pilots and safer streets. Use procurement to favour local firms. Promote our arts, food, and events as economic engines. i'd like to see growth that fills shops and keeps our cultural heritage alive.
Well-managed local government and outcomes for Māori
Auckland must work in real partnership with mana whenua. Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei have $1.5b in assets and a 100-year plan, yet are barely integrated into city economic planning. That has to change. Council should treat iwi as key partners in investment, housing and cultural projects. The Port and Future Fund must serve Aucklanders, not politics. And storm recovery is about resilience - fixing pipes, drains and planning so we don’t repeat the same mistakes.
Candidate's supporting links
These links to external websites have been provided by the candidates. The content on these websites does not reflect the views or positions of Auckland Council.