Disclaimer
The information on this page has been provided by the candidates. It does not reflect the views or positions of Auckland Council.
Wayne BROWN
Candidate for Mayor
Fix Auckland
Candidate statement
Hi voters! Three years ago, Aucklanders entrusted me with their support for my five key policies: Stopping Wasteful Spending, Finishing Our Big Projects, Taking Back Control of our CCOs, Speeding Up Traffic with Smart IT, and Making the Most of our Harbours. I'm proud to say we've made real progress on all fronts. Plus, your council now boasts a Future Fund and Sustainable Finances, all while delivering the lowest municipal rate rises in New Zealand! I am seeking another three years to lock in the savings and complete my policies, especially fixing Auckland Transport, once I get control of AT as promised by the government. So, please vote me back in as Mayor to finish the job and Fix Auckland!
Why I want to be elected
Fix AUCKLAND!
My key skills and qualities
Experienced leadership to keep our city moving forward. I am a trained engineer and successful business man. I have bought a new focus to our Council and improved the finances. I want to continue to lead the Council into providing better services and value for money for our City.
My top three key issues
- Completing the projects underway. Delivering on the big investment our City has made in new infrastructure. - Continuing to improve the financial position of our Council, eliminating wasteful spending and enhancing the value of ratepayers money. - Representing our city strongly on the national and international stage. Building our trade and investment links.
My position on key topics
Transport
AT as a separate as a CCO hasn’t delivered what Aucklanders want. The government has agreed to return control to the Council to make AT more responsive to the public. AT's focus will be delivering fast, reliable, comfortable and safe public transport, including buses, ferries and trains - especially with the CRL and new busways nearing completion. Council control over transport planning means Auckland's transport strategy will now be guided by elected representatives, as in the rest of NZ.
Water
Under my leadership we struck a deal with Wellington to keep water affordable for Aucklanders. Watercare will now be financially independent and have the capacity to get on and deliver key wastewater and drinking water projects for the Auckland region. Watercare’s fiscal plan is great news for Auckland ratepayers because it will improve council’s overall financial position. Watercare will invest more in improving our water infrastructure.
Built environment
I restructured Eke Panuku, to bring urban regeneration and property management in-house to Council. This has reduced duplication and inefficient spending, making the council more accountable and better equipped to manage growth. We want more homes to be built, but with a focus on ensuring that jobs and infrastructure are developed in the same areas to reduce commuting. I support smart, sustainable urban development in areas identified for regeneration and strategic growth.
Natural environment
We need practical, infrastructure-based solutions to adapt flood events and protect our environment. We have a beautiful harbour and excellent regional parks. I will continue to ensure these are well protected and will continue my strong support of Sea Cleaners of which I am patron.
Community
Through strong leadership around the Council table and ensuring value for money from the ratepayers dollar and fairer funding of local boards, which I have brought in this term.
Economic and cultural development
I’ve continued to champion Auckland's economy, securing the Technology Centre for our city. I established the Auckland Technology Alliance to lead our tech industry. I will continue to lead trade missions and support new industries, leveraging the "Southern Link" between Southeast Asia and South America. The government, following my lead, has removed the need for transit visas for Chinese business people. This will significantly boost trade.
Well-managed local government and outcomes for Māori
Under my leadership new forms of non-rate income have multiplied with the Port moving into profit becoming a major economic contributor to Council. The Future Fund was established to lift council’s income and build a fund to protect us from future calamities. I will continue to prioritise getting Council finances into a strong position via policies such as the need for capital spending to go through a ten point approval process and focus on the pressures of a large and growing city.
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.