Disclaimer
The information on this page has been provided by the candidates. It does not reflect the views or positions of Auckland Council.
Samuel CLARKE
Candidate for Albert-Eden-Puketāpapa Ward
Independent
Candidate statement
Samuel Clarke is committed to creating smarter, safer, and more supportive communities. He proposes planting fruit trees around schools to provide free, fresh food for young students travelling to and from school - offering to personally fund the project if needed. To ease traffic, he supports using anonymous cellphone movement data to improve transport planning. Samuel aims to make commuting easier by adding scooter storage on buses and trains and building secure car parks at shared train stations. For safety, he proposes introducing facial recognition software on local public transport to deter crime and enhance passenger safety. Clarke also supports launching a local trial program where beneficiaries and retirees could receive a reduction of up to $150 a week on rates, provided they contribute additional hours of work or service to the community, with a focus on basic education. He advocates for innovation that drives meaningful, sustainable change.
Why I want to be elected
If elected, I’ll plant 200 fruit trees near every school, add thousands of park-and-ride spaces, and install scooter racks on trains and buses. Use anonymous cell data to plan roads and facial recognition for crime prevention—not spying. Councillors who increase debt take a 5% pay cut, including me. No slogans—just doing the boring stuff right. Vote Samuel Clarke. Let’s fix local politics.
My key skills and qualities
I’m not here to play politics or sugarcoat things. I’m here to fix problems and get results. I call out BS, make tough calls, and follow through when others won’t. I listen, and I speak my mind — even if it ruffles feathers. It’s not about pleasing a few; it’s about making Albert-Eden safer, greener, and better to live in. Vote Samuel Clarke — no spin, just outcomes.
My top three key issues
Making Auckland sustainable means doing the basics right. I want 200 fruit trees planted, cleaner air, and stronger communities — simple, effective, and long overdue. Transport should work for people, not frustrate them. That means more scooter storage on buses and trains, reliable buses, and using real data to plan roads where people actually go. Less congestion, lower emissions, smarter movement. None of this matters if people don’t feel safe — which is just as important.
My position on key topics
Transport
For roads, let’s use real data. I’m pushing to use anonymous cell phone data monthly to upgrade roads based on where people actually go — not where planners guess they go. Public transport? It needs to show up, be safe, and make sense. That means facial recognition on buses and trains — for catching real crime, not spying. Add secure park-and-ride lots and scooter storage on all buses and trains.
Water
Auckland’s water supply is solid, but wastewater is a mess. We need proper maintenance to reduce emergency repairs, build holding tanks to stop overflows into the Waitematā, and install underground stormwater lines to prevent flooding. No more band-aids. And no, water shouldn’t be privatised — it should stay under Auckland’s control. Vote Samuel Clarke. Let’s fix it properly.
Built environment
For Auckland to work—especially transport and housing—we need to build up, not out. Sprawling suburbs make transport harder and homes pricier. Higher density near transport hubs is the way forward. Heritage isn’t my focus; fixing basics like homes and infrastructure is. Nostalgia shouldn’t slow progress. If we want a city that works, we must build smarter. Vote Samuel Clarke. No sugarcoating, just practical solutions.
Natural environment
Protecting nature is important, but not if people can’t enjoy it. I back recycled plastic walkways through parks to protect ecosystems and give easy access. These should be built by beneficiaries via work-for-benefits programs — real jobs and skills for real people. I won’t sacrifice the economy or growth for untouched bush. Practical green means balance. Vote Samuel Clarke.
Community
New York cut its murder rate by over 70% by cracking down on small crimes. The logic? If criminals know they can’t get away with the little stuff, they won’t risk bigger crimes. I back facial recognition for the same reason — make crime impossible to get away with, and most of it won’t happen. Vote Samuel Clarke. Smart tech, safer streets.
Economic and cultural development
Boosting Auckland’s economy means making it safer, cheaper, and smarter. I support council-led work programs where beneficiaries help build real projects — from park upgrades to stormwater fixes. It builds skills, reduces costs, and lifts communities. Safer streets and lower living costs help local businesses thrive. Let’s invest in people, not just paperwork. Vote Samuel Clarke. Let’s build a city that works.
Well-managed local government and outcomes for Māori
I’m here to fix all of Auckland — not play identity politics. Every community deserves real results, not special treatment. The time for personal and political accountability is now. Let’s focus on what matters: storm recovery, making New Zealand safer, and fixing core services. The Ports of Auckland can wait — we've got bigger issues to sort first. Vote Samuel Clarke. Fair, focused, and ready to get things done.
Candidate's supporting links
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