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As local body elections approach, it helps to know who does what in Auckland Council’s three-tier system of Mayor, councillors and local boards. Here’s how the roles work in practice for Albany Ward and the Hibiscus and Bays Local Board.
The Mayor – citywide leadership
Auckland’s Mayor is elected by the public to lead the council and chair the Governing Body and their primary role is to promote a vision for Auckland and provide leadership to achieve that vision.
The Mayor chairs the Governing Body – the 20 councillors elected across Auckland – and leads the development of budgets, policies and long-term plans. Once proposals are put forward, it is up to the Governing Body to debate and adopt them.
Another key responsibility is representing Auckland to central government, iwi and the wider public. The Mayor is the spokesperson for the city, but is expected to respect local perspectives, often coordinating with local boards before speaking on community issues. The Mayor does not sit on local boards but can attend their meetings with the board chair’s agreement. They can propose plans and budgets, and influence debate as chair of the Governing Body, but it is councillors who vote to adopt or amend them. The Mayor cannot make decisions alone or veto council votes.
Ward councillors – Albany’s voice at the table
Auckland is divided into 13 wards, each represented by one or more councillors. The Albany Ward, which includes the Hibiscus Coast and East Coast Bays, elects two councillors. Councillors are elected to make decisions on regional matters such as transport, infrastructure and city budgets, but they also represent the needs of their communities. For Albany, that includes Ōrewa, Silverdale, Whangaparāoa, Browns Bay and surrounding suburbs. Councillors often raise local issues in city debates, such as advocating for O Mahurangi Penlink, pushing for investment in infrastructure, or advocating for rates and council spending limits.
Alongside their role in the Governing Body, Albany councillors work closely with the Hibiscus and Bays and Upper Harbour local boards. They attend community meetings, respond to residents’ concerns and act as the bridge between local issues and citywide decision-making.
Local boards – decisions close to home
The Hibiscus and Bays Local Board is the grassroots layer of Auckland governance. Eight elected members represent two subdivisions – Hibiscus Coast and East Coast Bays – covering Waiwera, Ōrewa, Whangaparāoa Peninsula, Silverdale, Long Bay, Browns Bay, Murrays Bay and neighbouring suburbs.
Local boards oversee our day-to-day community services and facilities. Their responsibilities include: Managing local parks, libraries, halls and community centres • Funding and supporting local events, arts, sports and culture • Adopting a three-year local board plan to set priorities with community input • Making decisions on small-scale issues like dog access rules or local charges.
Boards also have a strong advocacy role. They submit local views on regional policies and budgets, and meet regularly with community groups, residents’ associations and businesses to ensure local voices are heard. The board also allocates community grants.
Each candidate was asked relevant policy questions, and some have chosen to respond as a combined ticket. We sought to contact all candidates, and candidate position in the issue was chosen by random draw.
Ward candidates questions:
- Why are you standing and what skills will you bring to the role?
- What will you do to ensure crucial infrastructure projects like O Mahurangi Penlink and other upgrades are delivered on time and meet local needs?
- What is your plan to improve public transport for the Coast? Will you push to retain and upgrade the Gulf Harbour ferry service?
- How would you address the Hibiscus Coast’s resilience to storms and climate impacts?
- What steps will you take to ensure that ratepayers’ money is spent wisely on the Coast and that we don’t see a repeat of surprise rate hikes or cuts to valued local services?
Local Board candidates questions:
- What do you consider the key priorities for the Hibiscus and Bays Local Board in the next term?
- How would you address the Hibiscus Coast’s resilience to storms and climate impacts, and protection of the foreshore?
- How can the local board best support local businesses and economy?
- With tight Council budgets, how will you maintain and improve local facilities such as parks, libraries, sports fields, and community centres?
Gary Brown, Albany Ward – Fix Auckland Hibiscus and Bays Local Board – Coast People
I’m standing because this is home. From Red Beach to Albany, the Hibiscus Coast has shaped me, as a parent, performer, and long-time community volunteer. I’ve served six years on the Hibiscus and Bays Local Board, including as Chair, where I led the delivery of 143 per cent of our planned projects. I know how to get things done. My strengths lie in strong leadership, active listening, and hands-on action, from major community events and fundraising to the creation of the NZ Walk of Fame and decades of sports involvement. I offer experience, empathy, and the ability to turn ideas into outcomes. With over 190,000 people across 180 km², Albany Ward is growing fast. We need infrastructure that meets demand – not just plans, but delivery. I’ve consistently pushed for the timely completion of Ō Mahurangi / Penlink, including a four-lane design, and advocating key connections like a Silverdale roundabout. I’ll continue working alongside Auckland Transport and Waka Kotahi to ensure projects stay on track, stay funded, and reflect what our communities actually need – not bureaucratic delays. Albany Ward deserves reliable, integrated public transport – on land and sea. I’ve advocated for a bus terminal at the Whangaparāoa end of O Mahurangi Penlink and better transport links throughout the Ward. I strongly support keeping and upgrading the Gulf Harbour Ferry. We need more frequent and reliable sailings, especially on weekends, with better bus-ferry coordination. #FerryPower is part of our identity and future. I’ll keep community voices at the forefront of transport planning. Our region faces growing risks from storms, erosion, and sea-level rise. I’ve already supported Shoreline Adaptation Plans and will keep pushing for smart, layered responses, targeted seawalls, and long-term protection of our coastline and infrastructure. It’s not just about reacting – it’s about preparing wisely. Ratepayers deserve value, not surprises. I’ve been part of opening workshops to the public, advocated for projects to be on time and on budget, and kept communication transparent. As Councillor, I’ll ensure every dollar benefits our communities and avoids the mistakes of hidden cuts or unexpected hikes. I bring vision, delivery, and deep local roots. Let’s build a strong, connected, and future-ready Albany Ward – together.
Samuel Mills,Albany Ward – ACT Local Hibiscus and Bays Local Board – ACT Local
I live in the stunning Hibiscus Coast with my wife and our adorable four-year old son, and like many of you I’m frustrated that we pay some of the highest rates but don’t see the value for it. That’s why I’m standing, because the Coast deserves a council that delivers the basics and keeps up with the growth happening all around us. The Coast is booming but the council is already struggling with today’s needs. We sit in traffic while O Mahurangi Penlink is pushed out, stormwater systems can’t cope with heavy rain, and rates keep going up with little to show for it in the Albany Ward. I am your elected member of the Hibiscus and Bays Local Board, a barrister and solicitor of the High Court, an RMA Hearing Commissioner, a Department of Corrections Hearing Adjudicator, and on the weekends I volunteer as a Justice of the Peace serving our community and enjoy spending time with my family. On the Hibiscus and Bays Local Board I’ve challenged waste and pushed for better value from council. The common thread through all these roles is being fair, thorough, and holding people accountable, and that’s exactly how I’ll represent you on council. Penlink continues to be pushed out. We did not need a “complex” bridge or innovative design, we needed a simple bridge that carries cars. Had it been a simple design, the project likely would have still been on track. Albany is growing fast, and Transport has to be practical. The Gulf Harbour ferry is a lifeline and should be upgraded, not cut. At the Hibiscus Coast Bus Station, we need more parking so people can actually use the buses. It’s about real options, not ideology.
We’ve all seen how storms have flooded homes and eroded our coast. I’ll back a permanent Ōrewa Seawall and push for smarter stormwater systems so we’re ready next time. Albany ratepayers already shoulder more than their fair share. I’ll stop wasteful projects, end cross-subsidies that siphon our money elsewhere in Auckland, and fight further rate hikes. Every dollar should go into the basics: roads, rubbish, water, and resilience. Ultimately, I’m standing with ACT Local because I believe in lower rates, common sense, and equal treatment for everyone. If you give me your vote, I’ll keep standing.
Wayne Walker,Albany Ward
What happens over the upcoming years on the Hibiscus Coast is crucial to improving and keeping our lifestyles and environment. I will make the most of opportunities and ensure we have the best solutions in place – the track record residents and ratepayers know I’m committed to. With fellow Auckland Councillor and long-standing team member John Watson, I make that pledge. Regarding transport issues, we must complete an integrated, joined-up local network including roads, walkways/cycleways, buses, ferries, matching facilities like free park and ride stations and connections that work better for everyone. Feeder roads and intelligent intersections working with O Mahurangi Penlink and motorway so traffic flows, and loop-based feeder buses improving connections from Whangaparāoa to Ōrewa, Silverdale, Millwater, Milldale; completing walkway/cycleway networks linking Whangaparāoa along the Weiti to Silverdale to Milldale, to Millwater to Ōrewa to Waiwera. A Gulf Harbour Ferry that’s faster, foiling, all-weather, reliable, seven-days, freeing up Whangaparāoa Road. Our wastewater needs serious attention: upgrade Army Bay treatment plant, improve pipelines, pumping capacity, eliminate overflows; restore connections for new developments urgently. Stormwater needs serious attention to sort maintenance, remove blockages, and reduce flooding. Environmental priorities: maintaining pest, weed control funding, supporting park rangers, Restore Hibiscus Coast, comprehensive solutions to saving our coastal, rock-pool treasures, bird, plant, sea life – leading to a pest-free Coast. Protect Ōrewa Beach Reserve – it’s valuable trees, parking, playground, Surf Club – with a rock revetment wall like the northern beach-end to stave off erosion economically, practically – working with the beach and estuary. Genuinely listening to residents and ratepayers, being transparent and engaged – with communities like Ōrewa over practical beach solutions, not imposing street trees that don’t suit situations, strengthening neighbourhood support, resilience, safer communities, crime reduction. Supporting local businesses, clubs and youth support. Deliver Metro Park indoor facilities. Secure Gulf Harbour Golf Course with a viable, sustainable, lasting solution. Work with the Local Board. This term, John and I are backing the Hibiscus People First team to take action and get local results with us. Recognising rates can’t continue to increase well above inflation and affordability –reduce unnecessary bureaucracy, stringent cost-control, user-pays rubbish, retain the Port of Auckland. Apply my experience and skill set across management, strategy, organisation, community and teamwork to deliver results.
John Watson,Albany Ward
I’m standing for re-election because this is an important time for the Hibiscus Coast. Valuable local assets and services in the North are coming under increasing threat with the current regime. From attempts to demolish and sell North Harbour Stadium to the undermining of our vital surf lifesaving clubs, local voices are being increasingly sidelined. Working with Wayne Walker we’ve stood firm against these threats, always putting the Coast first. We’re a strong, experienced team, totally independent with a proven track record of protecting and advancing our area. We’re also grateful for the support of our communities who consistently back us in defending the public interest. With rates I was one of the few councillors to vote against this year’s increase. After a series of already significant rate hikes combined with record debt and asset sell-offs, I believe enough is enough. I support capping rates at the level of inflation, the current trajectory simply unsustainable for many in our community. On a positive note, O Mahurangi Penlink, the largest infrastructure project in our history, is now three years into construction and progressing well despite early challenges. It’s set to transform our transport network. A total of $320 million was invested in Watercare infrastructure this term with a further $500 million planned over the next decade to support our growing community. In public transport, the Gulf Harbour ferry service has been secured and we’re committed to extending it to a seven-day-a-week operation. A new Whangaparāoa Bus Station is fully funded, with NX 1&2 services set to increase alongside considerably enhanced local services. We remain committed to keeping our park-and-rides free. In Ōrewa, we fully support ORCA and local residents in their call to retain the beach reserve and its facilities. A rock revetment wall offers a practical solution. At Gulf Harbour, we’ll continue to work alongside the community and KWGS to ensure the covenant is upheld and the golf course restored. Multi-million-dollar investment was secured this year for a variety of new and upgraded local parks, community facilities, and sports fields. We want Metro Park Multisport facility delivered and food waste recycling bins made optional. The Hibiscus Coast has been my proud home for 35 years. It’s where I’ve raised my family and built lasting connections across the community. What happens on the Coast to our people and environment matters to me. So does providing honest, transparent leadership grounded in those same family and community values.With your support, I’ll do all I can to stand up for our area, protect what matters, and fight for a fairer, more responsive Council.
Victoria Short, Albany Ward – Fix Auckland
I want to ensure our community thrives and moves forward. As a local resident, I’ve seen our ward face infrastructure strain and rising costs. With 12 years of experience in local and central government, including six years as a Hibiscus and Bays Local Board member and former Deputy Chair, I bring proven leadership. My accounting background ensures fiscal responsibility, while my role as a trustee for Life Education North Shore reflects my passion for youth and their well-being. I’m committed to transparent, inclusive leadership for a progressive Albany Ward. Delivering projects like O Mahurangi Penlink is critical to keep the Hibiscus Coast moving. Despite delays from slips, I’ll collaborate with the New Zealand Transport Agency to ensure timely progress and clear communication. Post-completion, I’ll advocate for regular public transport reviews to optimise routes, ensuring AT meet our growing community’s needs sustainably. Reliable public transport is vital. I’ll push for network optimisation to ensure efficiency, especially for the Hibiscus Coast. The Gulf Harbour ferry is a key service, and I’ll fight for its retention and growth, exploring funding options to enhance its reliability and long-term viability. As part of the Mayor’s Fix Auckland team, I can directly influence the Mayor to shape the future of this service, where incumbents have failed. I’m a strong proponent of this service and will prioritise establishing a weekend service. To boost resilience, I’ll ensure Auckland Emergency Management is resourced for civil defence training and timely information. I’ll advocate for regular street sweeping in flood-prone areas to prevent drain blockages and support community restoration groups, alongside sedimentation monitoring to mitigate the impacts of climate change. Ratepayers deserve value without surprise rate hikes or service cuts. With my background, I’ll scrutinise budgets to prioritise infrastructure and community facilities, such as pools and libraries. Transparent financial decisions and regular community consultation will ensure spending aligns with residents’ priorities, fostering trust and accountability.
Andy Mackie, Local Board – Independent
As a long-time Coast resident, business owner, and board member of Destination Orewa, Andy Mackie is a passionate advocate for our communities, environment, and local economy. He is a seasoned NZ business leader with a strong background in strategic planning and cost optimisation, executing data-driven strategies to enhance market positioning and profitability. His key priorities are protecting our coast and waterways, and he will urgently advocate for investment in stormwater infrastructure to reduce flooding and pollution. Andy will champion our fair share of funding for sensible infrastructure and roading, while partnering with Business Associations and WINZ to build local economic resilience by identifying critical skills shortages. Andy is committed to enhancing community assets; he will explore innovative partnerships for our parks, libraries, and community centres. Andy is a leader focused on streamlining processes for businesses and promoting our Coast as a premier destination for future generations. Authorised by A. Mackie, www.andymackie.nz
Gemma Moffat, Local Board – Coast Community
My focus for the next term is to ensure a clear, community-driven plan for the future of Orewa Reserve, guided by expert advice and meaningful consultation. I will work to see key transport projects delivered, including the Whangaparāoa bus station, while also protecting and retaining the Gulf Harbour Ferry. Preserving our shoreline ecology and supporting pest-free and clean water initiatives will remain a priority. Strengthening our civil defence readiness is essential, ensuring local shelters are fully prepared for emergencies. I will also advocate for resilient transport links and infrastructure to withstand future weather events. To grow our local economy, our beaches, parks, and reserves must be maintained to a high standard-welcoming visitors while ensuring our community continues to enjoy them. I will support local businesses and work alongside business associations to encourage strong economic activity across the Coast. With limited budgets, I will prioritise keeping libraries open and community facilities accessible. Partnering with local groups will allow us to deliver events and improvements while maximising community investment.
Gary Brown, Leanne Willis, Gary George, Darag Rennie, Local Board – Coast People
A passionate, experienced team united by a deep love for the Hibiscus Coast. We live here, we’ve raised families here, and we’ve built businesses here. We know what makes our Coast special – and we take action, not just talk. We’ve already made a difference, and we’re ready to keep delivering.
Key priorities include:
- Regular, reliable bus and ferry services – including a Penlink bus transfer station
- Retaining the Archers Block for public use
- Fixing congestion with a Silverdale roundabout linking the village and industrial area • Keeping public workshops open and accessible
- Protecting Orewa Reserve – the heart of our community.
Storm resilience starts with basics – unblocking drains, maintaining waterways, and smart stormwater planning to prevent future flooding. We’ll keep backing our local businesses with grants and promotions – not interfering where things work. Despite council constraints, we’ll continue to champion cost-effective maintenance of parks, libraries, sports fields, and community hubs. Through partnerships and community input, we’ll ensure the Coast remains strong, connected, and future-ready.
Gary Brown is also running for Albany Ward Councillor on the Fix Auckland ticket
Gary George, Local Board – Coast People
Gary George has called the Coast home for the past 35 years, raising his family here and contributing to the community in many ways. His background spans farming, banking, mortgage broking, coach driving, and running a successful finance business, now carried on by his daughter. Gary is a proud father of two and “Poppa” to two beautiful grandchildren, who he regularly takes exploring our local beaches. He’s passionate about diving, biking, travel, and quality time with family. A long-time church member and former president of a local business networking group, Gary brings people together and gets things done. He’s a practical problem solver with a calm, can-do approach. Gary understands both the needs of families and small businesses, and he’s ready to bring his experience and energy to the Hibiscus and Bays Local Board. If you want a genuine local voice who listens and takes action – vote Gary George.
Dani Lee Dawson, Local Board – People First
The Hibiscus Coast is my home , where I live, work, and spend time with those I care about. I’m standing to protect what makes this place special and help shape a future that works for everyone. With a background in construction and infrastructure, I bring practical skills in delivering projects on time and on budget. I know how to get results, listen to communities, and communicate clearly. My top priorities are critical water infrastructure, better transport connections, and protecting green spaces and local services. To build coastal resilience, we need practical solutions like native planting, wetland protection, and better storm planning. I support community-led coastal care and stronger government investment in resilience projects. For local businesses, the board must back town centre upgrades, support local events and markets, improve transport access, reduce red tape, and boost local jobs and training, especially for youth. Even with tight budgets, we can protect key facilities by prioritising maintenance, partnering with community groups, seeking external funding, and making better use of shared spaces.
Jayden Haley, Local Board – People First
I’m a long-term resident and homeowner at Gulf Harbour with my wife Elle. As a local landscaper with a business management background, my skillset is a great match for the Local Board’s biggest responsibility, our parks and reserves. I’m committed to preserving and enhancing our green spaces, saving Gulf Harbour Country Club and ensuring our beaches and public areas are protected and maintained for future generations. I support free parking at Park and Rides, daily Gulf Harbour Ferry service, and completing our walkway/cycleway network. To boost the Hibiscus Coast’s resilience to storms and climate impacts, I support a mix of natural and engineered solutions, including dune restoration with native planting, a rock revetment wall at Orewa Reserve and upgrading stormwater to reduce flood risk! To support our local economy, I’ll push to simplify consent processes, prioritise local suppliers for projects, and strengthen our town centres through events and improved infrastructure. I’ll work to reduce wasteful spending, focus on real community needs, and bring energy, accountability, and fresh ideas to the table. I’m with the Hibiscus People First Team to take action on local issues, working with our Ward Councillors and our community.
Jeff Olufson, Local Board – People First
I’m standing with Hibiscus People First – committed to protecting what makes the Coast special. My wife Kristie and I are locals, our children attended Orewa College and played sport locally. I’m an active community member, volunteer and serve on a local sports Community Trust. Throughout 30 plus years in corporate management I’ve developed and evaluated many business/investment cases and managed projects to achieve outcomes. This equips me well to ensure our rates are invested wisely, achieve outcomes for community benefit, return maximum value for money and projects get delivered. I’ll stand up for the Coast, delivering stronger representation. Addressing local issues – fixing them first together with current councillors John Watson and Wayne Walker. Protecting and developing community assets, and ensuring what exists is improved and what’s needed is built. Backing the community to protect crown jewels like Orewa Beach Reserve, Gulf Harbour Golf Course, and investing in facilities at Metropark and adding more green space like the Archers Block at Stanmore Bay. Now involved in my local transport business, I’m keenly aware of congestion’s effect on productivity – improving access to/from and around the Coast is key to helping grow the local economy.
Nick Rado, Local Board – Coast Community
I’m a Coast local, award-winning broadcaster, comedian, and small business owner. I’m running with the Coast Community team to bring fresh energy, practical solutions, and strong advocacy for Hibiscus and Bays. Top priorities are delivering reliable transport like improving Gulf Harbour ferry, and the new Whangaparāoa Bus Station. This will be a drop-and-go, high-five-and-ride service to ease pressure on Hibiscus Coast Station. To succeed, we must manage nearby street parking, provide excellent feeder bus connections, and secure rapid, frequent links to Albany and the City, while exploring future parking capacity. Protecting Orewa Beach is also vital, and all options must be on the table, including a rock revetment wall. We need smart, long-term protection of our coast using both innovative engineering and natural buffers. At Army Bay, rock pools are being stripped of crabs, starfish, and shellfish. I support temporary closures, stronger enforcement, multilingual awareness campaigns, and a Local Board-led restoration project to allow ecosystems to recover. Supporting local businesses starts with better transport and fair parking. With tight budgets, we’ll prioritise maintenance, partnerships, and delivery of projects like the Orewa Reserve Plan—ensuring safe, accessible, and vibrant spaces that serve our growing community.
Jake Law, Local Board – Coast Community
My key priorities for the next term include a positive and community supported plan for the future of Orewa Reserve, with expert advice on options and future community consultation on how the reserve is managed. We must ensure that key transport projects are successfully delivered, such as the Whangaparāoa bus station, while improving and retaining the Gulf Harbour Ferry, and prioritise protecting and restoring our shoreline ecology, alongside our pest free and water environmental outcomes. Continuing our local civil defence plan is imperative, so that local shelters are fully activated and prepared in case of emergencies, and ensuring road and multi-modal resilient transport links are maintained. Attracting people to our area and boosting the local economy is incredibly important, therefore destination beaches, parks and reserves must be maintained to a high quality. I plan to continue supporting local business as I have been as an active Local Board representative on the Orewa business association. As cost pressures increase, I believe in ensuring libraries stay open and community facilities are available to the public. Partnering with community providers for events and new facilities will allow us to save public funds while seeing strong community investment.
Yang Qu, Local Board – ACT Local
I’m Yang Qu, your ACT Local candidate for the Hibiscus Coast Local Board. I run a local construction company and have been building in this community for nearly ten years. I know what it means to get things done on time and on budget, and that’s the approach I’ll bring to council. Like you, I’m frustrated by waste. My focus is simple: stop the overspending, back local businesses, fix our infrastructure properly, and protect places like Ōrewa Reserve. We’ve all seen how storms can hit hard. I’ll push for better stormwater and wastewater systems to reduce flooding, and I support building a revetment wall to protect Ōrewa Reserve and the foreshore. That way we keep the reserve safe for families while helping local shops by bringing more people into the area. Small businesses are the heart of our community. I’ll cut red tape, make it easier to get licences, and back local events that bring people through the doors. I know families are stretched. Council should be too. I’ll protect our parks, libraries, and sports fields by cutting waste and focusing every dollar on the basics.
