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Serge ROUD

Serge ROUD

Candidate for Waitākere Ward

Candidate statement

Committed to the People. After 28 years in Waitakere and over 40 years as a lawyer, I am seeking your support to serve on the Waitakere Ward. I'm standing as an independent candidate, not aligned with any political party. My commitment is to our Waitakere community, not to party politics or outside agendas. Throughout my legal career, I've listened, advocated, and worked hard to resolve real problems for my clients. I will bring that same approach to local government. My priorities are straightforward: Cap rates to keep life affordable; Cut wasteful spending on non-essential projects. Focus on core services: roads, rubbish, water, parks and transport. Waitakere deserves practical, no-nonsense leadership-someone who listens and delivers without spin or party pressure. That's who I am and always have been. I will represent your voice, act with transparency, work hard to protect what matters to our community. Vote for people-first leadership.

Why I want to be elected

After 30 years calling Auckland home and 40 years serving as a dedicated lawyer, I am now seeking the honour of representing you in the Waitakere Ward as an independent candidate. As a semi-retired legal professional, I bring decades of experience in listening, understanding, and delivering results for people—because my loyalty has always been to those who entrusted me with their voice. I am stepping up to represent residents on the Auckland — promising loyalty, action, and common sense.

My key skills and qualities

"I am a lawyer with experience advocating for fairness, transparency, and accountability. My key skills include legal analysis, negotiation, public speaking, and governance. I am committed to community service, and I bring integrity, independence, and a strong sense of justice to every role I undertake."

My top three key issues

I am running for the Waitakere Ward to ensure your concerns are not only heard but acted upon. My priorities are clear: • Cap council rates to keep living affordable for all Aucklanders • Eliminate wasteful spending on non-core council business • Prioritise essential services: roads, rubbish, water, parks, and transport, and protect our Waitakere ranges.

My position on key topics

  • Transport

    I firmly believe that a modern city like Auckland must have a well-developed, integrated road and transport system that enables fast and efficient movement, both by private and public means. A direct rail link between the city and the airport is long overdue and must be prioritised. Transport providers must be held accountable for delivering reliable and efficient services. I firmly support maintaining our roads—especially local ones—in good condition to ensure safety and accessibility for all

  • Water

    Auckland’s water supply and management systems must keep pace with the city’s rapid growth. I believe in forward-looking planning that ensures clean, reliable water for all residents, while protecting our natural water sources and investing in resilient infrastructure for the future.

  • Built environment

    Auckland’s growth must be guided by thoughtful, integrated planning. Urban development, housing supply, and infrastructure investment cannot be treated in isolation—they must be addressed together to ensure a livable, sustainable city. At the same time, we must protect our heritage and character areas. I believe in balanced development that meets present needs without sacrificing our identity or future resilience.

  • Natural environment

    I believe Auckland’s natural spaces must be well-maintained and expanded to support biodiversity, enhance community wellbeing, and preserve the environment for future generations. Protecting native species and green areas is a core local responsibility. While climate change is a global issue, local councils should focus on practical, cost-effective measures within their scope of duty —without diverting resources from essential services or overstating their role in international climate policy.

  • Community

    I am committed to building strong, connected communities where people feel safe, supported, and proud to live. Local services and facilities—libraries, parks, halls, sports grounds, and public spaces like beaches—must be well maintained, accessible for everyone, and reflect the needs of all residents. I will advocate for practical investment in community infrastructure that brings people together and supports wellbeing at the local level.

  • Economic and cultural development

    I support strong local economic growth through practical support for small businesses, job creation, and wise investment. Local business is the backbone of our communities. Auckland and New Zealand are proudly multicultural, and our shared cultural heritage should be recognised and promoted as a unifying strength. Economic development and cultural diversity must work together to build a vibrant, prosperous city for all.

  • Well-managed local government and outcomes for Māori

    The Port of Auckland is a valuable public asset and must be managed efficiently to deliver strong returns for the benefit of all Aucklanders. Revenue from the port should help fund vital priorities, including practical and timely storm recovery to protect residents and rebuild resilient infrastructure. Māori are an integral part of New Zealand’s diverse, multicultural society and should be treated as such—equally and respectfully alongside all multicultural communities.

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.

Disclaimer

The information on this page has been provided by the candidates. It does not reflect the views or positions of Auckland Council.