City Vision campaign launch continues a proud legacy

City Vision’s team for the 2025 local elections has officially launched our campaign to a full house of supporters. The Grey Lynn Library Hall was buzzing with energy from all who attended. Te Aroha Grace and Anahera Rawiri of Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei welcomed candidates and supporters to the Grey Lynn Library Hall with a karakia and mihi whakatau. 

Speeches from City Vision Co-Chair Bobby Shen, Green Party co-leader Marama Davidson, and Labour’s Camilla Belich celebrated City Vision’s legacy in Auckland and the hard work of candidates and volunteers. Green Party co-leader Marama Davidson recalled the late Fa’anānā Efeso Collins’ 2023 mayoral campaign and spoke of the value of local government to future generations: ‘It will take us into an Aotearoa that our mokopuna can be proud of, that our mokopuna deserve.’

Labour MP Camilla Belich, giving the closing speech, emphasised the ‘incredible undertaking’ of those putting themselves forward. ‘City Vision has changed Auckland. By standing up for your principles and getting elected to local boards, to council, to the Portage Licensing Trust, you have made a difference to the city. Let’s do this, and let’s vote City Vision.’

City Vision secretary Gwen Shaw thanked Richard Northey for his many years of service in local government. Richard marks his retirement in 2025, after a career in central and local government that began in 1979 when he was elected to the Auckland City Council. Richard offered a reflection on his many years of association with City Vision, and the challenges facing us in 2025. ‘Climate change, water infrastructure, active and public transport, well planned higher density affordable housing, accessible local community facilities and activities, prosperous and lively town centres, and walkable neighbourhoods are what City Vision is advocating for and bringing to fruition.’

Richard has been a forthright voice for his values of peace, justice, and equity, and has worked tirelessly to make Auckland a city where everyone can thrive. City Vision wishes Richard and Robyn the very best for Richard’s well-earned retirement. 

The event formally introduced City Vision’s 2025 candidates.

After a very successful first term on Governing Body, Julie Fairey is seeking re-election to the Albert-Eden-Puketāpapa ward, with Jon Turner standing alongside her for the two-member ward. Standing for the Waitematā and Gulf ward is Patrick Reynolds, a well-known figure whose expertise has already been providing great value to the City Centre and ward area.

Jon Turner is also restanding for Puketāpapa Local Board, and is joined by fresh faces Raphaela Rose, Rowan Cant, Miriam Hartmann, Daniel Cliffords, and Soraiya Daud.

For the Albert-Eden Local Board, current deputy chair Margi Watson and current member Christina Robertson are restanding in the Ōwairaka subdivision, joined by new candidates Emma McInnes and Jacqui Tay. New candidates Jonty Carroll, Paul Chalmers, Mark Graham and Michelle Thorp are ready to carry the City Vision kaupapa into the Maungawhau subdivision.

For the Waitematā local board, incumbents Alex Bonham and Anahera Rawiri are restanding, joined by new candidates Peter Elliott, Kara Kennedy, Connor Sharp, Theo van de Klundert, and Caitlin Wilson. 

Speakers at the event acknowledged those who have passed, and we acknowledge them again in gratitude to their legacy: Dame Tariana Turia, Te Pāti Māori MP Takutai Moana Tarsh Kemp, Fa’anānā Efeso Collins, Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei kaumatua Clay Hawke and long-time City Vision chair Robert Gallagher.

City Vision thanks all who attended the launch to support the 2025 campaign, including MPs Marama Davidson, Camilla Belich, Helen White, Ricardo Menéndez March, Lawrence Xu-Nan, and former MPs Michael Wood, Naisi Chen, and City Vision’s own Richard Northey.

We also thank those members who are retiring at the 2025 election: Richard Northey from the Waitematā Local Board; Bobby Shen from the Puketāpapa Local Board; Julia Maskill and Liv Roe from the Albert-Eden Local Board; and Mark Beavis from the Portage Licensing Trust.

For almost 30 years, City Vision has been making a difference in Auckland, and we draw on the values, experience and commitment of those who have come before us. The enthusiastic support shown to our 2025 candidates was a great start to the campaign to regain majorities on our local boards, win a progressive majority on Council, and continue our work for a thriving, liveable and inclusive Auckland.