Press Release
ISSUED BY AFFORDABLE AUCKLAND
Voting Guide

The Affordable Auckland Voting Guide

Following advice issued by Auckland Unions on which candidates to vote for if you want increased rates, debt and an unproductive port, Affordable Auckland is issuing its own guide to how voters should vote if they want lower rates, less borrowing and affordable housing.

Mayor
Stephen Berry (Affordable Auckland) – Stephen has laid out a full plan for genuine cuts in rates, quality spending on core council services, eliminating borrowing within three years, respect for private property rights and affordable housing through zoning flexibility and abolishing the urban limit.

Albany
Brent Robinson (Independent) – Brent’s website conveys a concern about current rates levels and a commitment to focusing spending on core council activities. He was also featured on a Campbell Live story defending a children’s food stall against over-zealous Council food bureaucrats, so he doesn’t look like the type of man who will be increasing the regulatory burden.

Albert-Eden-Roskill
Nigel Turnbill (Communities & Residents) There actually isn’t a lot to choose from in this ward. Nigel does at least express concern about the high level of rates. We do not recommend Chris Fletcher who has often voted with the left-wing bloc and been a part of the problem, however if you do insist on casting two votes in this ward she would be the least terrible option.

Franklin
Niko Kloeten (Affordable Auckland). Niko is one sharp customer and knows his figures. He is absolutely supportive of cutting rates, focusing spending on core services and eliminating council borrowing. No other candidate appreciates private property rights quite like Niko. He is also the only candidate there favouring increased land supply through abolition of the urban limit. Niko is also a candidate for the Franklin (Pukekohe subdivision) Local Board.

Howick
Sharon Stewart (Independent) and Dick Quax (Independent) Our favoured candidates have been re-elected unopposed. Congratulations!

Manukau
Avtar Hans (Independent). This ward is dominated by hard-left candidates. Avtar at least has experience running a successful business so should understand the impact of over-zealous council regulations better than most. Don’t bother casting a second vote in this ward. Even the least bad option, Arthur Anae, is crowing about his efforts to provide free swimming pools, so clearly quality spending on core services and controlling rates is not a priority for him..

Manurewa-Papakura
Just don’t vote. Your choices are between a couple of Mana hard-left extremists or four nimby busybodies. They’re all in agreement that Council should control what you do with your property and are at the forefront of the attack on liquor businesses using entrepreneurship to make an income for their families. Callum Penrose has at least managed to obtain rates remissions for elderly ratepayers so he isn’t the worst option on the table.

Maungakiekie-Tamaki
Denise Krum (Communities & Residents) Denise expresses concern over the level of rates increases and identifies the issue Auckland has with housing affordability. At least a vote for her will get rid of Richard Northey and his crazy plan to send power prices into the stratosphere by burying existing power pylons.

North Shore
Calum MacPherson (Independent) Calum’s candidate profile mainly focuses on high rates and the horrible impact it is having on elderly property owners, so we reckon he’s alright.
Joseph Bergin (Fair Deal for Shore) Joseph says he will reduce Council debt and make savings in Council spending. Council needs some fresh, young and energetic representatives. George Wood has had enough time to make an impact and still fails to do so.

Orakei
Cameron Brewer (Independent) Cameron has been re-elected unopposed. We think he is one of the best members of the Council which is why Affordable Auckland chose to not stand a candidate against him.

Rodney
Steven Garner (Independent) Steven identifies greater value for ratepayers and reducing bureaucratic prescriptiveness as priorities. We say this make him  a much better prospect than Penny Webster who, despite being a former Act MP, has voted with the left more often than not.

Waitakere
Peter Chan (Affordable Auckland) While there are two councillors for the Waitakere ward, we suggest you cast only one vote; for Peter Chan. Mr. Chan believes rates should be set at affordable levels and young families should be able to afford to purchase their first home. If you believe in voting for a local to be your representative, you’ll be glad to know Peter is one of only four Waitakere candidates that currently reside in the ward. He is also standing for Henderson-Massey Local Board on the Henderson-Massey Residents Group ticket and we recommend that you vote for him for Henderson-Massey Local Board.

Waitemata & Gulf
Stephen Berry (Affordable Auckland) Mr. Berry is the only candidate advocating rates cuts and despite Greg Moyle’s claims to the contrary, Berry is definitely the most business friendly candidate standing in the ward. For a guaranteed rates cut and a less interfering council, your only sure bet is a vote for Stephen Berry. Berry is also a candidate for the Waitemata Local Board.

Whau
Depressing lack of options in this ward. Ross Clow of Labour would be a horrendous big council representative. Noelene Raffills  has an unhealthy habit of voting with the left more often than not. Duncan MacDonald’s profile statements don’t make any specific promises though he is head of the Avondale Business Association. That could just mean his special interests are different from the other candidates. There is one ray of sunshine however, Affordable Auckland’s Heidi Bale is standing for Whau Local Board. We suggest you just vote for her.

Stephen Berry
Affordable Auckland candidate Mayor/Waitemata & Gulf/Waitemata Local Board

Stephen.berry@affordable.org.nz
www.affordable.org.nz
www.facebook.com/affordablecity
www.facebook.com/berryformayor

Ends

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