Auckland Council

Howick Ward
The Auckland Council makes strategic decisions for Auckland on public transport, urban planning, environmental protection and other big issues. The council provides funding to local boards to provide public services in their areas, and manages council-controlled organisations which provide infrastructure, such as public transport, water and sewerage. The councillors and mayor make up the governing body, which shares governance of Auckland Council with the 21 local boards. The governing body is made up of 20 councillors plus the mayor. Councillors are elected to represent wards (areas in Auckland). two councillors will be elected from your ward. This is a first past the post (FPP) election, so you vote by ticking the name of your preferred candidate on your ballot paper. Compare the candidates and their policies to decide who to vote for in the Auckland Council election.

Local democracy

Local government is a foundational part of our democracy. But local democracy isn’t just about holding elections every three years – it’s about the day-to-day ways people have their say in the decisions that affect us all.

Local democracy

Local government is a foundational part of our democracy. But local democracy isn’t just about holding elections every three years – it’s about the day-to-day ways people have their say in the decisions that affect us all.

  • End race-based policies across local government and treat every resident equally and fairly.

    Oppose voting rights for unelected iwi representatives and ensure decisions rest with elected councillors.

    Uphold free speech in council venues so lawful community groups can access them without bias.

  • Ensure genuine responsiveness and engagement for Māori and Te Tiriti o Waitangi, not just box ticking.

    Fix local democracy with a well-considered reorganisation of local boards and empower and properly support local boards to do more.

    Support local boards to deliver for communities in a collaborative approach as localism works best when decisions are made closer to the community.

  • Freeze councillor perks until council proves it can manage ratepayer money responsibly.

    Audit council back-office costs to redirect savings into frontline services and lower rates pressure.

    Launch digital democracy tools so residents can vote on key issues via secure online platforms.

  • End race-based policies across local government and treat every resident equally and fairly.

    Oppose voting rights for unelected iwi representatives and ensure decisions rest with elected councillors.

    Uphold free speech in council venues so lawful community groups can access them without bias.

  • Ensure genuine responsiveness and engagement for Māori and Te Tiriti o Waitangi, not just box ticking.

    Fix local democracy with a well-considered reorganisation of local boards and empower and properly support local boards to do more.

    Support local boards to deliver for communities in a collaborative approach as localism works best when decisions are made closer to the community.

  • Freeze councillor perks until council proves it can manage ratepayer money responsibly.

    Audit council back-office costs to redirect savings into frontline services and lower rates pressure.

    Launch digital democracy tools so residents can vote on key issues via secure online platforms.