My Account
Thirteen candidates in the local body election had a chance to introduce themselves and their policies at a public meeting in Ōrewa on August 26.
Around 70 mainly older people attended the meeting, hosted by Hibiscus Coast Grey Power.
The candidates were made up of those hoping to be Auckland Councillors, and others who want to be members of the Hibiscus & Bays Local Board (Hibiscus subdivision) – some are standing for both positions.
It became clear early on that the gloves are coming off for these elections, and that it will be a hard-fought campaign between established councillors and local board members and a diverse range of new candidates.
Campaign billboards are a contrast between slogans like “Your Proven Team” and “Working for Change”.
At the meeting, Council and local board candidate John Davies described John Watson and Wayne Walker, who have represented Albany Ward since the super city began and were also on the former Rodney District Council, as having “reached their use-by date”.
“I don’t mind who gets in,” Davies said, “But fresh energy is needed.”
In response, both Walker and Watson said that experience counts when it comes to getting results, and their passion for the work remains strong.
Candidate Sylvia Yang and running mate, 29-year-old Jake Law, also said change is needed. “Instead of complaining [about Council], be the change you want to see,” Yang said.
All but one of those standing on the Coast People ticket have already had three years on the local board. “We’ve been there and done that,” as Coast People’s Andy Dunn put it.
Their opponents include some like first time candidate Donna Patterson, who told the meeting she put herself forward because of dissatisfaction with Council’s performance and a desire to see change.
Some candidates also raised the need for more diverse representation – local board candidate Lia Shelford-Toopi said one reason she is standing is because “I didn’t see anyone in the voting line-up at previous elections who looks like me”.
Candidates were questioned on issues such as the 3 Waters reforms (all were against), the need for increasing housing density (the public urged to make submissions) and when Ōrewa seawall would be built (construction to start April 2024).
Voting papers on way • Voting papers are being sent out from September 16-21. • Voting opens September 6 and closes at 12pm on October 8. • More ‘meet the candidates’ events are being held locally.
