Auckland Council

Waitematā and Gulf 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). one councillor 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.

  • Drive a review of local government voting systems as turnout is unacceptably low and examine the possibility of phone and on-the-day voting.

    Reform local boards for more local control of local matters while keeping regional control of regional matters and the relationship with central government.

    Support bringing transport strategy back into the council and work with the mayor on a better structure for transport and urban design governance.

  • Encourage regular community engagement to ensure residents' voices are heard in council decisions.

    Promote transparent council operations and clear communication with the public.

    Support inclusive engagement with Māori and ethnic communities on local issues.

  • Build a performance culture within council and reduce the still bloated, inefficient bureaucracy.

    Build fewer, better funded local boards with greater decision making ability.

    Separate representation at council for Waiheke and Aotea/Great Barrier Islands and avoid shoehorning them into a city ward that undervalues them.

  • Drive a review of local government voting systems as turnout is unacceptably low and examine the possibility of phone and on-the-day voting.

    Reform local boards for more local control of local matters while keeping regional control of regional matters and the relationship with central government.

    Support bringing transport strategy back into the council and work with the mayor on a better structure for transport and urban design governance.

  • Encourage regular community engagement to ensure residents' voices are heard in council decisions.

    Promote transparent council operations and clear communication with the public.

    Support inclusive engagement with Māori and ethnic communities on local issues.

  • Build a performance culture within council and reduce the still bloated, inefficient bureaucracy.

    Build fewer, better funded local boards with greater decision making ability.

    Separate representation at council for Waiheke and Aotea/Great Barrier Islands and avoid shoehorning them into a city ward that undervalues them.