Disclaimer
The information on this page has been provided by the candidates. It does not reflect the views or positions of Auckland Council.
Christine Elizabeth FLETCHER
Candidate for Albert-Eden-Puketāpapa Ward
C&R - Communities and Residents
Candidate statement
I bring strong experience of government, having served as MP, Minister Local Government, Mayor Auckland City and now Auckland Councillor. Coming from the private sector, working in manufacturing I know how to get things done. I'm proud to have led transformative projects like Britomart and the opening-up of Auckland's waterfront. This term, I oversaw the establishment of the Future Fund, securing Auckland's long-term financial resilience. I'm deeply concerned that Council has not pushed hard enough in negotiations with Central Government - especially around PC78, the RMA and protection of Auckland's built character. I also believe the continuing rising costs of running Council places an unsustainable burden on ratepayers. I'm passionate about Auckland's parks, harbours, heritage, and inclusive communities. I'm a founding Trustee of Motutapu Restoration Trust and patron Auckland Special Olympics. I seek your support to serve Auckland with commonsense not ideology. Vote Christine Fletcher and C&R, Community and Residents.
Why I want to be elected
Albert-Eden-Puketapapa has been my home for decades. When floodwaters tore through Mt Eden, Epsom Sandringham and Mt Roskill in 2023, I saw the price of political failure. With 30+ years of fighting for Auckland - delivering Britomart as Mayor, establishing the Auckland Future Fund as councillor, even resigning from Cabinet over protecting Auckland's assets - I know how to make Wellington listen. We must fix to our infrastructure deficit, protecting our communities from future disasters
My key skills and qualities
I bring unique "dual fluency" - understanding both Wellington and Auckland's machinery of government from my roles as MP, Minister, Mayor and Councillor, enabling me to effectively advocate for Auckland's interests with Central government. My track record demonstrates principled independence, putting our city first. I provide robust financial oversight while delivering transformative projects like Britomart. I can navigate complex governance, negotiate effectively and deliver tangible results.
My top three key issues
1 Resilient infrastructure - 2023 floods were a catastrophic failure, need urgent stormwater upgrades NOW No more consenting in flood plains 2 Fiscal discipline - Auckland families face a cost of living crisis. The Future Fund I championed creates a sustainable revenue base protecting ratepayers. 3 Protecting Auckland's identity - our Maunga, harbours, character and heritage are precious taonga. Growth must protect what makes Auckland unique, not destroy it through Wellington mandates
My position on key topics
Transport
A regional integrated transport plan, prioritised, sequenced with agreed funding, supporting a multi modal, pragmatic approach. Having delivered Britomart, I remain committed to completing the City Rail Link with self funding development around the rail stations. We need reliable buses/trains and practical solutions. No ideology, just results for Albert-Eden-Puketapapa commuters to rebuild trust and patronage.
Water
Water infrastructure is my highest priority. I champion rapid implementation of the "Making Space for Water" programme and comprehensive planning for long-term investment. Central Interceptor must be completed. Water assets built and paid for by Aucklanders must remain in local ownership with direct accountability. Multi billion dollar investment in stormwater upgrades necessary especially in flood-affected areas. Recognise the restraint on development plans within areas with limited wastewater.
Built environment
"Density done well" - infrastructure-led growth along transport corridors - not unplanned intensification. Quality development complementing our neighbourhoods. We must oppose unplanned intensification creating tomorrow's slums and leaky buildings. Balance growth with character Albert-Eden-Puketapapa deserves respect.
Natural environment
My long- standing work with Motutapu and other conservation trusts demonstrates my personal commitment to conservation over many years. The loss of Predator Free NZ is devastating. I support expansion of Pest Free Auckland and advancing public transport and the encouragement of electrification across all transport modes where possible while recognising the need for sustainable electricity supply.
Community
Strong communities need empowered local decision-making so I support "fairer funding"for local boards to correct historical imbalances. Albert-Eden-Puketapapa need their fair share for open space, sports and clubs. These boost community cohesion and youth resilience through play, exercise and nature. Our diversity - 39.4% Asian, 11.1% Pasifika - is our strength. We need events like World of Cultures festival celebrating our multicultural identity but must also prioritise neighbourhood safety.
Economic and cultural development
Local business associations and town centres are crucial employment and community hubs needing support through reduced red tape. Auckland's productivity requires strategic infrastructure investment - transport, digital connectivity, energy - to attract high value businesses. Heritage/arts/culture are economic gold! Town Centres need champions. Albert-Eden-Puketapapa's economy thrives when we invest wisely and understand the access needs for small business especially around parking.
Well-managed local government and outcomes for Māori
The Auckland Council governance/committee structure, (for which the Mayor is responsible by statute) needs a rethink. It is clumsy, time wasting with an unrealistic number of committees and meeting schedules. Whomever is the next Mayor must prioritise committees around the strategic issues for Auckland to ensure less time wasting. I support Houkura, the Independent Maori Statutory Board and their encouragement of practical Maori outcomes with tangible benefits for all in Tamaki Makaurau.
Candidate's supporting links
The candidate has chosen not to provide a response.