Introducing Auckland city's new council

From City Scene, published on 21 October, 2007

Auckland's new council - Auckland city voters have elected a new mayor, 19 councillors and 52 community board members, in last weekend's local body elections.

Auckland city voters have elected a new mayor, 19 councillors and 52 community board members, in last weekend's local body elections. Electoral officer Dale Ofsoske says a total of 39.4 per cent of Auckland city voters cast a vote compared to 48.3 per cent at the last elections, not including special votes.

Local body elections take place every three years using the first past the post electoral system. The mayor is elected citywide and councillors are elected from seven wards - Avondale-Roskill, Eden-Albert, Eastern Bays, Hauraki Gulf Islands, Hobson, Tamaki-Maungakiekie and Western Bays.

The role of the mayor and councillors is to make policies on funding, strategic development and growth.

The mayor and councillors will select a deputy mayor, and appoint councillors to committees and subcommittees to make decisions on citywide issues and activities.

Local government in New Zealand is a representative model where elected members are expected to use their best judgment, informed by an understanding and knowledge of the community's view.

At the swearing-in ceremonies, the first formal meetings for the term, the mayor, councillors and community board members take an oath to use their skills and judgment in the best interest of the whole community, not just the ward or board from which they were elected or the party they represent.

Within each ward, there are either one or two community boards. The boards provide a direct link between their community and the council, and act as a sounding board for the council on community matters.

Auckland city's new mayor, Hon. John Banks

"It is a distinct honour and privilege to have been re-elected to lead your city. Your mayor and council will need to work hard over the next three years to make sure your rates are kept affordable and you are served efficiently, with good value and best practice. We will need to listen, consult, then give you decisive leadership to ensure Auckland city is governed professionally and in a businesslike manner. I'm looking forward to the tasks ahead, and delivering you affordable progress."


John Banks Mayor	Douglas Armstrong Eastern Bays	Ken Baguley Hobson	Aaron Bhatnagar Hobson	Leila Boyle Tamaki-Maungakiekie

Cathy Casey Eden-Albert	Bill Christian Tamaki-Maungakiekie	Mark Donnelly Eden-Albert	Graeme Easte Western Bays	Glenda Fryer Eden-Albert

Paul Goldsmith Hobson	David Hay Avondale-Roskill	Linda Leighton Avondale-Roskill	Peseta Sam Lotu-liga Tamaki-Maungakiekie	Toni Millar Eastern Bays

Greg Moyle Western Bays	Graeme Mulholland Avondale-Roskill	Richard Northey Tamaki-Maungakiekie	Noelene Raffills Avondale-Roskill	Denise Roche Hauraki Gulf Islands