Excitement, anxiety and inter-group rivalry are mounting as the campaigning for the Local Government elections commenced last week.
As the nominations closed on August 20, Auckland Council Electoral Officer Dale Ofsoske said there were 542 candidates vying to fill 170 vacancies of various posts.
There were 23 candidates on the Mayoral race for one post of Auckland Region Mayor, with incumbents John Banks (Auckland) and Len Brown (Manukau) as the hot favourites. The latter has a marginal lead but with election about five weeks away, ‘anything could happen.’
As it is often said, even a day is too long to predict in politics.
There are 100 candidates fighting for 20 places in the 13 wards of the new Auckland City Council (Councillors), while 419 aspirants were looking at 149 positions in 21 local boards.
Mr Ofsoske said the ensuing election was without precedent.
“But these numbers are more than we expected. It is great to see the number of Aucklanders keen to be directly involved with the running of their city,” he said.
Our analysis showed 32 persons of South Asian descent contesting for the post of Councillors and Local Health Boards.
According to a Government notification, Local Boards are part of the Auckland Council, which will have two complementary decision-making parts. They are the Governing Body consisting of a Mayor elected by all Aucklanders and 20 Councillors elected on a ward basis, 21 Local Boards, with members elected by local board area.
“The Governing Body will focus on the big picture and on region-wide strategic decisions. Local Boards will have a significant and wide-ranging role; they will make decisions on local matters, activities and facilities, provide local leadership and build strong local communities,” the notification said.
The Local Boards will provide important local input into region-wide strategies and plans, including those of the Council Controlled Organisations (CCOs).
A CCO is an Organisation, Trust Or Company in which a Council controls 50% or more of the votes or has the right to appoint 50% (or more) of Directors or Trustees.
CCOs are independent of the Council’s operations. Companies are set up under the Company Law and have their own boards of directors.
However, they are also accountable to the Auckland Council.
They will deliver services such as transport or water services, or manage facilities on behalf of the Council.
Additional Reading: South Asians seek a bite of the political cake (with pictures) on Page 5; our Editorial, A veritable chance that should not be lost
Photo : The two major contenders for Auckland Mayoralty John Banks and Len Brown
