Latest news with #AucklandElections
RNZ News
03-07-2025
- Politics
- RNZ News
Auckland's 2025 local elections: Candidate nominations open
Photo: RNZ / Isra'a Emhail Aucklanders can now formally step up to stand in the city's 2025 local elections, with candidate nominations opening. As well as mayor, 171 council and local board positions would be up for grabs in October. But just a few months out from voting, Auckland Council was still worried fewer people than usual were expressing an interest in the roles on offer. Auckland Council's governance and engagement general manager Lou-Ann Ballantyne hoped to at least match 2022 numbers, where 466 people stood. Additionally, only one person has said they would challenge mayor Wayne Brown for his position - independent candidate and current councillor Kerrin Leoni . Last time there were 23 mayoral candidates. "We would expect to see a few more people putting their hands up by now. But it's early days, we'll see how the nomination period goes," said Ballantyne. "We would like to see a wider range of people putting their hands up so people have more of an incentive to go out and vote and find out more about who is standing and what their policies are." She said voters having more options was better for democracy. "If we don't get enough numbers to make it a bit of a competition, we see voter turnout dropping off." She acknowledged more potential candidates had expressed concerns about their safety and wellbeing this year than previously. She said the council offered training and advice to elected members including on social media and staying safe at in-person appearances. Richard Northey, who retired from local government this year after first being elected in 1979, said abuse faced by elected representatives was taken more seriously now. "In the past even death threats have not been enough for police and the council to take it sufficiently enough." "That is changing and so it ought because people who've got something to offer in terms of leadership and decision making for their community ought not to be subjected to that." He said the effort and resources needed to get elected were also off-putting for independent candidates. "It's really difficult for someone who is standing for a council seat in a large city just as an individual to get selected without the support of a group. "Some people might be realising I should've joined one of the groups a year ago because most of them have already selected their candidates." Councillor Angela Dalton who was also leaving local government after 18 years, agreed it was a tough but fulfilling gig. "What's putting people off is the current environment, bullying, social media, rates increases that everyone's unhappy about, they don't want to be a part of a council that is on that trajectory." She encouraged those passionate about serving their community to stand and said council staff were there to support them with any challenges. 'It's such a privilege to serve your community and if you really know what your why is, why you want to do it, then go for it." Nomination forms were due by Friday 1 August at 12pm either online or dropped off to a library.
RNZ News
18-06-2025
- Politics
- RNZ News
Lack of people standing for Auckland's next local body election worries officials
For the mayoralty, so far incumbent Wayne Brown and a councillor Kerrin Leoni have thrown their hats in the ring. Photo: RNZ / Isra'a Emhail A lack of people putting their hand up to stand in Auckland's upcoming local body elections is worrying officials who are counting down till nominations open next month. There are 171 positions for local board members, ward councillors and one mayor to be filled, but so far only a few candidates have announced they will stand. For the mayoralty, so far incumbent Wayne Brown and a councillor Kerrin Leoni have thrown their hats in the ring. Speculation deputy mayor Desley Simpson would challenge Brown was quashed earlier this month when she said she would serve as his deputy again if they were both re-elected. With nominations opening on July 4 ahead of the October elections, Auckland Council is encouraging those considering their calling to local politics to get busy. Council's general manager for governance and engagement Lou-Ann Ballantyne said now was the time to prepare. "July is just weeks away, so I encourage anyone planning to stand to think about your candidate statement, your social media profiles, your community connections, and the issues that matter in your area." In the 2022 local elections, 466 Aucklanders stepped up as candidates to be elected, including 23 who ran for the position of mayor, while 65 stood for ward councillor positions and 378 stood for local boards. Meanwhile, 423 candidates stood to be elected in 2019. People considering standing do not need to live in the area they choose to represent but do require two nominations from those living there. If only one candidate stands in an area they will be elected but if an area has no candidates, it could trigger a by-election in March 2026. Electoral officer Dale Ofsoske said if by close of nominations in August an area has no candidates, an extraordinary vacancy would be created. "An estimated cost for a subsequent by-election ranges dramatically from a mayoral by-election in the millions to the smallest local board, Aotea Great Barrier," he said. Sign up for Ngā Pitopito Kōrero , a daily newsletter curated by our editors and delivered straight to your inbox every weekday.
RNZ News
05-06-2025
- Politics
- RNZ News
Desley Simpson endorses Wayne Brown for Auckland Mayor
Auckland Mayor Wayne Brown and Deputy Mayor Desley Simpson. Photo: RNZ / Jessica Hopkins Auckland's deputy mayor has officially endorsed Wayne Brown in his re-election bid, after months of speculation she would run against him. In a joint press conference a short time ago Desley Simpson said she endorsed Brown's campaign for a second term as mayor. Desley Simpson said she had ruled out running for mayor in the October local body elections a long time ago. But in April Simpson told RNZ she was still undecided on running for mayor, after she confirmed earlier this year she was mulling it over. The changes Brown had made for Auckland had been significant for the city and praised his vision for the city, she said. Both denied they had ever shared harsh words with each other but agreed there has been disagreements. Brown said if re-elected this would be his last term.
