Positive progressive platform delivers for City Vision
City Vision has regained the majority on the Albert-Eden and Waitematā local boards after successfully running on a vision for a thriving, inclusive and liveable Auckland. Voters were offered a stark choice between improving public transport and safety, enabling more affordable housing in inner areas, and making streets greener and more resilient to flooding and the National Party-aligned C&R’s agenda to slash local government services.
On Albert Eden Local Board Margi Watson has been sworn in as Chair at the inaugural meeting on Monday 3 November with third time local board member Christina Robertson stepping into the Deputy Chair role. They are joined by newly elected members Jacqui Tay, Emma McInnes and Michelle Thorp.
On the Waitematā local board Alex Bonham is the new chair alongside new Deputy Chair Anahera Rawhiri. They are joined by newly elected Peter Elliott, Caitlin Wilson and Kara Kennedy.
In further success for the team City Vision’s Julie Fairey was returned as councillor for the Albert-Eden-Puketāpapa ward with the highest polling votes. Julie has been rewarded for her hard work last term with confirmation today she will be Chair of the Community Committee. She also takes on Deputy Chair of the Policy, Planning and Development Committee
On the Portage Licensing Trust City Vision’s Mark Graham has been elected Deputy Chair and joins experienced member Margi Watson. Mark has been confirmed as Deputy President of the Trust.
On the Puketāpapa Local Board Jon Turner has been returned for a third term. He is joined by Rowan Cant. City Vision’s Raphaela Rose missed out by just 7 votes on the 6 member board. Disappointingly the recount applied for by City Vision was not allowed by Judge Kelly, who determined there wasn’t sufficient evidence for a recount despite the closeness of the result.
Turnout dipped to an all time low of 29.3 per cent. Not only were 4,162 of 10,000 special votes disallowed but Auckland Council has confirmed 4,534 votes arrived in the post after midday on 11 October. Aucklanders wanted to participate in the election but found multiple barriers including voting papers not arriving or households not being aware of how to vote in a postal election. There is a clear desire for in-person voting. On the campaign trail Cr Christine Fletcher said she supports it despite voting against a motion backed by Julie Fairey to provide in person voting booths at a Governing Body meeting in June 2024.
City Vision’s Patrick Reynolds was unsuccessful in contesting veteran campaigner Mike Lee for the Waitematā and Gulf ward. While the result was not the one we wanted, Patrick ran a campaign based on a compelling, progressive vision for our city, from transport to housing, and the regeneration of our city centre. We know Patrick’s vast experience and passion for Tāmaki Makaurau will not be lost. We look forward to seeing him continue his powerful work and contribution to the future of Auckland in other important roles.
We wish all our elected members a productive and positive term. We thank all our candidates who worked hard to campaign on what matters to our diverse communities. It is never easy to put yourself forward for election. City Vision’s successful campaign was only possible with the backing of our volunteers and network of supporters.
Ngā mihi nui
