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Victoria Short
Former Deputy Chair and current member of the Hibiscus & Bays Local Board, Victoria Short is standing for Albany Ward in the upcoming election, running alongside Gary Brown. A long-time East Coast Bays resident, Short is married with two daughters and brings 12 years of experience working across local and central government.
A trained accountant, she says she is focused on ensuring ratepayer funds are spent wisely, with priorities including infrastructure, support for local businesses, and community services. She also serves as a volunteer trustee for Life Education North Shore, reflecting her commitment to youth empowerment.
Short is campaigning on a platform of transparent, accountable leadership, reduced waste, and sustainable growth. She says her vision is a thriving Albany Ward with strong communities and sustainable growth and building brighter, more connected communities across East Coast Bays, Hibiscus Coast, and Upper Harbour.
Gary Brown – Independent
Current Deputy Chair of the Hibiscus & Bays Local Board, Gary Brown is standing for re-election and also contesting a seat on the Albany Ward. A long-time Aucklander, Brown has a background in business, sport, and community service, and says he is focused on delivering practical outcomes and financial accountability for ratepayers.
He and his wife Tracey own Hibiscus Funeral Services and have lived and worked on the Coast for many years. Brown has over 30 years of experience in local sport and youth development. He is a long-serving North Harbour rugby referee, a former president of the Referees Association, and a Silverdale Rugby Club centurion.
Brown says his approach is grounded in listening, collaboration, and cutting through red tape to get things done. He has chaired and supported several community initiatives and is campaigning on making smarter spending decisions and delivering results for the region.
Sam Mills – Independent
Current Hibiscus & Bays Local Board member Sam Mills is standing for re-election and also contesting a seat on the Albany Ward. A barrister and solicitor, and Justice of the Peace, Mills is running with ACT Local and is known for his focus on fiscal responsibility and transparency in local government.
During his time on the board, Mills has been vocal on issues including rate increases, council spending, and local infrastructure. He opposes what he describes as the ‘Robin Hood’ funding model, which he says redirects local rates revenue to other parts of the region, and has raised concerns about race-based council policies and grant programmes.
Mills supports a permanent seawall for Ōrewa and is advocating for policies that prioritise motorists and reverse what he sees as anti-car measures. He says his goal is to bring “common sense” back to local government and to put ratepayers first.
Andy Mackie – Independent
Ōrewa resident Andy Mackie has announced his candidacy for a seat on the Hibiscus & Bays Local Board. A long-time local, Mackie was born in Pukekohe, raised in Papakura, and has called the Hibiscus Coast home since the mid-1990s.
He co-owns two local businesses with his partner and currently serves on the board of Destination Ōrewa Beach Business Association. Mackie is also a familiar face behind the scenes of local schools, charities, events, and grassroots community projects.
“A friend once mentioned to me, ‘don’t fear change, fear standing still,’” Mackie said. “I believe real change happens in our community when we invest in each other.” He says his focus, if elected, will be on common-sense decision making, cutting waste, and ensuring ratepayer funds are used wisely.
“I’m not a politician. I am just like you – a hard-working Kiwi fighting to keep my family’s head above the breadline.”
Hibiscus and Bays Local Board (East Coast Bays subdivision)
The four candidates standing for the Hibiscus and Bays Local Board (East Coast Bays subdivision) are Mike Bishop, Julia Parfitt, Alexis Poppelbaum and Gregg Walden.
