Great Expectations in the New Auckland

Unless Aucklanders begin to make demands on what they want from their mayoral and other Auckland Council and Local Board candidates at the local government elections in October, they will get more of the same.

In an article in today’s New Zealand Herald, Michael Barnett argues that Auckland under one council has the potential to lift its game, but warns that its success requires a new style of leadership and a new way of thinking.

“We are not yet seeing that. Debacles like that over Queen’s Wharf and the location of Party Central for the Rugby World Cup will continue unless and until we elect an executive Mayor who can collaborate with central government, and bring disparate groups together and get action.

Whether it is solving Auckland’s transport issues, skill shortages, finding ways to attract investment, building export strength and establishing more innovative businesses, Auckland’s new leadership must seek the participation of central government and demand it apply a whole of government approach to solving Auckland’s big issues.

“We will fail the new Auckland if we allow the mayoral contest to become a campaign around creation of a personality cult,” he warns.

Getting Aucklanders interested in voting will only be successful if the mayoral aspirants have a compelling story to tell of what they want to achieve for Auckland on behalf of all citizens.

“Or to put it another way, I am confident Aucklanders will respond and get out and vote for a candidate for executive mayor who wants to disseminate leadership across the region, not concentrate leadership at the Town Hall around the projection of their own personality.”

ENDS

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