What contenders for top job say they can offer Auckland

Auckland City. Photo / NZ Herald

We asked the other 21 mayoral candidates to answer these questions in 200 words.

1) Who are you?

2) Why are you standing?

3) What would you do if you were mayor?

These are their answers:

AILEEN AUSTIN

A Kauri Park conservation educator, she has been involved in residents' submissions to the council over 20 years.

She stood for the North Shore mayoralty in 2004 and 2007, losing out to George Wood and Andrew Williams respectively.

Aileen Austin (B.Architecture), Mayoral Candidate, for all seasons, "clean-sweeping", with Bernie Wallace (partner), gets results, quietly.

Their first petition, result: MMP.

She's been pro-active to councils, Government over 30+ years; conservationist, educator; clean water, beaches, ... Campaigned: Rates affordability/accountability; targeting debt, shonky buildings/developments, kept Whenuapai for Defence, international trade fair/expo, cultural understanding, community well-being; no drugs/crime/child-abuse or violence in the neighbourhood.

Raising the alcohol age to 20 ... Together: mentored youth, unblocked sewers, planted trees for 25 years, and raised our family in Birkenhead.

Support person, harpist, Farmers Christmas angel, creative visionary: sensible self-funding-solutions (ferries, trams, Sky-rail, bridges, gardens, markets).

* GST off rates/savings, ETS-free policy, facilitates economic recovery, work-local!

* Holistic vision:God's laws, principles, care of this land, one waka; Respect all people. Making "a" difference, enlightning ...

* Governing: rates, debt, reviews, budgets, service, contracts, pests, ports, wharves, bio-security borders, liquor controls, water tanks, sewerage, infrastructure maintenance, rubbish, pollution, sub-division/developments/building ... //ARTA overspending, CCOs ... Politicians!

* Balanced, listening, and defending NZ-Kiwi way of life; Guardianship for future generations of regional assets, parks (open spaces), trees, (and children).

Aileen is standing up for Ratepayers. It's their money! Breathe ... live ... recycle ...

MARLENE BARR

Raised in Remuera and living in Avondale, she promises a mayor devoted to Auckland's wellbeing. Promises a close look at budgets in tough economic times and a focus on improving public transport. Age 57.

Raised in Remuera in the 1950s, I have lived in Avondale for 20y years. First employed in CBD offices. I later went to university where I excelled but left after year two to run a community-work programme and then to help establish the Youth Resource Centre, representing them on the Auckland Youth Council. I lived for a decade in the Far North where I learned tikanga maaori.

Auckland needs a mayor with devotion to its wellbeing, with the intelligence for oversight of its resources, with sophistication and a sense of decorum and with no political baggage.

When my son started school I returned to university and graduated in 1996 with a first in Politics from the University of Auckland. I have a facilitative style but remain strong and effective as chairperson. Soon our energy and fuel will be cheap and clean; meanwhile I will take action to ensure that public transport is reliable.

The first job of the mayor is to read budgets and meet key administrative staff. Because we are living in difficult economic times I am determined to use all my skills to protect what we have and develop what we need with wise counsel.

PENNY BRIGHT

Long-time water campaigner, she has campaigned against a Super City set up "by big business, for big business". She says the council-controlled organisations will be led by people not democratically elected who will treat the ratepayers of Auckland as cash cows.

She says people should vote for her to send a clear protest message to the Government that the Super City and the privatisation of water are not wanted.

JUST SAY "NO!" TO THE AUCKLAND $UPERCITY!

This is not "left" vs "right".

This is "public" vs "corporate".

The $upercity agenda is about replacing thousands of "piggy in the middle" private contractors with fewer but bigger multinational snouts into a bigger private trough. CUT OUT THE CONTRACTORS!

You didn't vote for this Auckland $upercity and Rogernomic$ blitzkreig, to seize contol of $28 billion of Auckland public assets.

Seven (corporate) Council Controlled Organisations (CCOs) will grab 75 per cent of Auckland regional rates.

Do you want unelected businesspeople controlling your interests? These CCOs will be run like a business, by business for business - setting up for future privatisation under Public Private Partnerships (PPPs).

The other mayoral candidates who support the CCO model - therefore support this corporate takeover.

Have your rates gone down since the last council amalgamations? EVER?

If not - you were CONned! By the CONsultants and the CONtractors - who are getting fat and bloated on OUR public monies!

The $upercity legislation which set up this corporate structure can and must be repealed.

Give this Government the very clear message, the people do NOT want the Auckland $upercity.

Vote for the proven "Public Watchdog" Penny Bright for Mayor!

HUGH CHAPMAN

Architect who has been promoting a regional monorail system for the past decade. Vows to do away with congestion in three years and within 10 build a new "elevated passenger transport system" from the CBD to the airport and across Auckland.

I'm Hugh Chapman, I'm a registered architect and have done town planning.

Auckland needs a mayor to start fixing Auckland's problems.

And the biggest is congestion. I have detailed the steps for the Transport CCO, to remove congestion within three years, saving each year the equivalent of the $2 billion cost of congestion.

The CCO will also be directed to select the best of three, affordable, new mode, elevated passenger transport systems and install it from the CBD to the airport. Then build a network across Auckland within 10 years, tripling capacity, costing less than one harbour tunnel, and containing congestion for 25 years.

I also propose rejuvenating Manukau Harbour.

As mayor I can insist the local boards spend their time consulting their residents, getting their ideas, suggestions and needs, translating them into practical policies and projects. Then all Auckland residents from Pukekohe to Wellsford will get what they need.

The new Super City is in your hands. You want the same as before? Elect the same people. Any of the three mayors will do. If you want a better future for Auckland, elect me.

COLIN CRAIG

Property manager who organised the November 2009 "March for Democracy" in Queen St. He has no experience as a local body politician but took on the political establishment to protest against the Government's refusal to back a citizens-initiated referendum over the so-called anti-smacking law. The 42-year-old grew up in Howick and lives in Albany Heights.

As an independent candidate aligned with no political parties, Mr Craig has said he would focus on minimising rates, local initiatives and a better solution to the leaky home crisis. He would also promote referendums on major issues and be guided by the results.

1. I am an Aucklander and I have lived here all my life. I'm 42 years old and I live with my wife and 5-year-old daughter in Albany.

Originally an accountant, I am now a successful businessman and entrepreneur.

2. I have no allegiance to any political party and I think Auckland should be run independently of Wellington politics.

I believe Auckland desperately needs a new, non-political approach to local government.

We need to break the trend of big spending and big borrowing in local government. We need a responsible, debt-free approach to running Auckland

3. I will fight for a co-operative solution to the leaky homes crisis that will keep rate rises to a minimum. I will empower local boards to make local decisions, including on rates and expenditure.

I will hold referendums on major issues to make sure you have a voice, and I will be bound by the results.

I will support the Anzac Centenary Bridge proposal as the third Auckland harbour crossing and I would introduce self-funding Infrastructure Bonds to get other major transport projects completed. I will give back 50 per cent of the mayor's salary to the ratepayers of Auckland.

HARRY FONG

Also standing for North Shore Ward and Kaipatiki Board, he promises to expedite the Resource Management Act and lower rates if possible. Also plans to introduce a code of ethics.

Did not respond

SHANNON GILLIES

A 28-year-old communications student who is standing "because I can". She will donate half her salary to a charity of Auckland's choosing or use the money for a street party.

I'm a 28-year-old AUT University communications honours student. I've worked as a journalist. Before that I was a chef. I grew up in Wellington. My interests are politics, film, art and travel. I hope to learn to surf before I'm 30. I'm standing because I can. I know how that may sound but New Zealand is a democracy and as part of that any citizen can run for public office. I have a number of policies I'd like to see put into place but that will have to come down to a conversation with council staff to see how feasible they are. If I win I will donate half my salary to a charity of Auckland's choosing or that money will be used to put on a street party. It will be up to Aucklanders to decide.

Traditionally council elections have a low turnout. People feel that all politicians are the same so what's the point? If people don't care what happens with their vote or don't want to vote then why not vote for me?

VINNIE KAHUI

An Aucklander not aligned to any political party with a focus on public and private transport systems and sustainable homes and businesses. Promises to bring big events to the city.

My name is Vinnie Kahui. Born and raised Aucklander. (Ngatihaupoto, Ngatihine, Ngatipakeha).

* My vision is for Auckland to be a world class city with MANA (pride).

* *I am not a career politician and don't align myself to any political faction and definitely not doing it for money or the ego.

Primary goals are:

* With my extensive knowledge of Auckland's transport problems, fix public and private transport systems using simple strategies. Cheaper, effective, efficient and eco-friendly public services.

* Sort out rates.

* Look at making it easier for development of sustainable homes and businesses.

* Encourage film and television productions and other sporting and social events like the V8 supercars to base themselves in Auckland to bring in money and jobs to the region.

* Leadership, teamwork, accountability, communication, and professionalism Is what I expect from all council members including myself.

* Listen, learn and work with the people of Auckland and its diverse communities to find solutions.

ALAN MCCULLOCH

A doyen of North Shore Grey Power and leader of the One NewZealand political party. He was Mayor of East Coast Bays before the merger to form North Shore City, became a council member and failed in a 2004 bid to be mayor.

Alan McCulloch: Work life - commerce, education, building, public service: three terms Mayor East Coast Bays City, Auckland Harbour Bridge Authority, Auckland Regional Authority, Rangitoto College Board of Governors, North Shore Councillor etc.

I am standing because I have watched successive governments deliberately turn local government into an expensive bureaucratic disaster which is divorced from but destructive of the communities and citizens it purports to serve.

I stand to change this and return to regional government for regional matters and true local government to develop healthy communities. As Mayor I would:

1. Change my title to Chairman Auckland Region.

2. Have each community board elect one of their members as mayor.

3. Prepare for referenda on boundaries and local authority names to apply in 2013.

4. Replace the Government appointed CCO directors with people committed to the Auckland region.

5. Ensure no public assets are sold and no contracts of more than three years are entered into.

6. No overall rates increases.

7. No borrowing. (You'd have to be an idiot if you couldn't run Auckland better for less).

8. Require Government to rescind the RMA and replace it with a commonsense, non-bureaucratic, citizen-friendly planning act.

STEVE MCDONALD

A Henderson community board member who is also standing for Waitakere Ranges local board and Henderson-Massey local board. in 2007, he stood for the Waitakere mayoralty and got 4000 votes against Bob Harvey's 18,000. A resident of West Auckland for 28 years, he has three children and vows to "keep my word with old-fashioned values I was brought up with and live by."

The Super City should be about people, not just vision. I believe the economy and the environment should be the partners in creating wealth and safety for the people of Auckland. As an independent I would bring true democracy back to Aucklanders through meaningful consultation that would be listened to and included in the council's decision making and not just being a puppet for central government. I would bring real sustainable and affordable direction for all Aucklanders, ensuring decisions by the council would not rate people out of their homes. The public transport throughout Auckland needs a shake up, so stakeholders would be brought together to achieve realistic resolutions for both business and the public. I would encourage the council to empower local boards with supportive funding to achieve planned community expectations as this is critical for communities to move forward. I am 59, live in Henderson, West Auckland, and have three wonderful children, two fantastic grandchildren and a very supportive wife. I have served on the Henderson Community Board for two terms, school boards of trustees and a ratepayer group for over 25 years. Above all I would like Auckland to be a Safe City for young and old.

VANESSA NEESON

Vanessa Neeson, of Hobsonville, is a sitting Waitakere City Council member and for six years has been chair of its planning and regulatory committee. She is married to former MP Brian Neeson and has four children. A past challenger for the Waitakere mayoralty, she is also standing for the Waitakere ward of the Auckland Council and the Henderson-Massey local board.

I am Vanessa Neeson, 18 years a Waitakere City Councillor and fiercely Independent.

I want Aucklanders to run Auckland not the main political parties with Aucklanders being held to ransom.

However, it's going to be a massive job requiring a mayor with a great deal of local government experience and who is visionary and innovative.

None of the mayoral candidates can compete with my length of local government experience or innovation, learned over two decades at Waitakere with its visionary Mayor Bob Harvey.

I will tell Government that we want: partnership - not marching orders; no GST on rates; a more equitable share of tax revenue; and more say in how Government money is spent in Auckland.

The tail will not wag the dog. Council staff and the CCOs will be accountable and expected to deliver the promised efficiencies.

I will drive things that are good for the whole region in order to achieve social wellbeing, a vibrant business sector, economies of scale and innovative 21st-century solutions to all issues.

PHIL O'CONNOR

Christians against abortion candidate who stood for the Auckland City mayoralty in 2007 and received 1087 votes.

Did not respond

SIMON PRAST

Actor and director who founded the Auckland Theatre Company and played Alistair in the 1980s television drama Gloss, has no experience as a local body politician.

The 48-year-old was born in Otahuhu and grew up in Otara and Waikowhai. He has a law degree and was at the helm of the first Auckland Festival, in 2003. He wants to develop the city's cultural and creative sector and is also keen to extend Waitakere's eco-city concept to the region. Spoke out in support of greater openness in the reporting of suicide, following the death of a family member.

A New Generation of Leadership

I have no political affiliation and run neither as a candidate of the left or the right. I run as the candidate for Auckland. The only word on the crest of Auckland is "advance". The only direction I propose we move is forward.

Our greatest challenge is not an election, nor a Rugby World Cup but rather that in 20 years we shall double in size. How we get from here to there in peace and prosperity without compromising the land or our lifestyle: that is our greatest challenge.

Auckland needs identity, direction and design. To achieve this, we need new leadership and a new style of leadership: inspirational, inclusive, decisive, articulate. That is the job description of the mayor, as provided by the Royal Commission on Auckland. That is what I offer.

Pride, prejudice and politics as usual have brought us to the brink. We need remarkable new solutions for pervasive old problems. We must embrace change and emerge united, stronger and smarter. We must approach our problems in a spirit of professionalism not partisanship. We owe it to ourselves, our forebears and all who shall follow us, to work together and make it work.

RAYMOND PRESLAND

Retired businessman who was a farmer from Matamata and spent much of his life in the textiles and materials industry. He stood for the Auckland mayoralty in 2007.

My friends in the Auckland region.

My friends throughout New Zealand.

Experiences and activities through life have given rise to my evolution, individuality and this declaration of conscience.

To deal with these issues, we must have real leadership of our city.

My city and country are my world. My veins carry blood, not sawdust. Every drop of my ancestry holds an inheritance of loyalty and patriotism.

We demand better.

A metropolis and country on the march. Buildings and places that we are proud to show off and boast about. We all want Auckland listed among the top few cities of the world. The money has been there to do it. We gather to determine our course of action.

Hundreds of young people here in Auckland have told me, "You are the man, go for it." That is why I entered this contest.

I have visited every continent - some many times. I was in South America last November. I started life farming - I sold the stock and implements. I then took a world trip for five months and moved to Auckland. I worked at Milne and Choyce for two and a half years. Participated in politics in Auckland Central and Grey Lynn.

I was a textile importer and wholesaler for years. I know the world. One must know the world to understand what makes things tick. I need your vote.

MARK ROSS

Twenty-seven-year-old courier driver currently living in Christchurch but originally from Auckland. A former Army soldier, he contested the Christchurch mayoralty in 2007, coming fourth. Also standing for boards in Christchurch local body elections, but puts public transport and crime rates at the top of his agenda for Auckland.

Did not respond

ANNALUCIA VERMUNT

A meat worker and standing for the Communist League, she is an active union member and campaigner for Maori rights.

Campaigning against cuts to jobs and council services and "to take political power out of the hands of the capitalist rulers".

The Communist League campaign champions the interests of working people.

The worldwide capitalist economic crisis continues to unfold. The capitalists' solution is to make working people pay by cutting jobs and wages, forcing speed-up at the cost of life and limb, and cutting hard-won social entitlements, all in the framework of protecting the profitability of big business.

The creation of an Auckland "Super City" has involved cutting jobs and cutting council services and facilities. Workers face the need to act as a class if we are to fight against the attacks on us. We need to defend and extend union organisation on the job. We need to fight unemployment, which increases competition for work and lowers the incomes of all workers. We need to combat race, sex, and other discrimination used to divide us, and strengthen our class unity. We need to take political power out of the hands of the capitalist rulers.

The Communist League campaign presents demands that working people can organise to fight around today.

ANDREW WILLIAMS

Aged 51, was elected Mayor of North Shore in the upset result of the 2007 elections after six years as a city councillor and Takapuna Community Board member. He was an international trade executive and honorary vice-consul for Belgium. He aggressively campaigned for the North Shore mayoralty on a "Don't Waste the Rates" ticket and preventing commercial flights at Whenuapai Air Base. He is a strong critic of Local Government Minister Rodney Hide's reforms, tipping they will cost ratepayers nearer $300 million than Mr Hide's estimate of $200 million. Married to Jane, he has three adult children.

I am the Mayor of North Shore City offering independent, progressive leadership. Precious experience as a Councillor and Community Board member. I'm known as a Mayor with a "Can Do" attitude, who delivers on promises, and secures common sense affordable outcomes.

Always tirelessly working in the best interests of the people, I care for all communities and ethnicities across Auckland, advocating for seniors, youth, disabled and the disadvantaged.

My well known concerns about the new super city means I am the genuine peoples' representative, committed to council efficiency and accountable governance.

With 30 years international business background I stand for strong economic growth and jobs, fully integrated public transport, a second harbour crossing, and completing key regional infrastructure. I'm committed to Auckland being a safe city, protecting it's unique natural environment, and supporting heritage, arts, culture, sport, and recreation.

Passionate about great community outcomes finding solutions to problems. If you look at my website www.andrewwilliams.co.nz you will see that I can be relied on to move Auckland forward to make our new city the very best it can be. Vote for Andrew Williams and you will have a Mayor who delivers and will be there for the people of all of Auckland.

DAVID WILLMOTT

An urban development and transport planning engineer with a focus on better roads and the Resource Management Act.

International urban development and transport planning engineer and project manager. Well qualified, experienced, competent, able and keen to serve real public interest in an enablement-oriented, go-ahead city which enthuses and empowers Kiwis, especially our youngsters, to stay, work and prosper, for without them Auckland has no future.

To that end, the council must stop straight-jacketing, imploding and (re-) constructing a "designer city "around public transport regardless of cost-effectiveness, personal and operational efficiency, and affordability considerations, all of which favour automobility. That approach is frustrating personal choice, economic development and job creation, rendering housing unaffordable, overloading services designed for traditional densities, ruining our economy, driving our kids offshore, achieving no significant NET social, environmental, infrastructural, aesthetic or functional "goods", and wasting material resources and energy, despite claims to the contrary.

The RMA's purpose is "to enable" private-sector creation of affordable development, thus jobs and prosperity. Previous councils over-regulated, delayed, over-charged, imposed unaffordable conditions, demanded attitude change, moralised, and frustrated development to death, ostensibly to achieve (unaffordable) "world-class" standards, zero effects and perfect safety. David will ensure urban design aesthetes with people-control visions are tempered by hard facts, realities and cost-consciousness.

WAYNE YOUNG

Did not respond

WILLIE MORTON

Did not respond

NGA DAVE

Did not respond

* From the New Zealand Herald feature, 'Super City - Election Guide'