Kerrin Leoni
Auckland, March 31, 2025
Kia Ora. I am Kerrin Leoni, an elected Auckland Council member for Whau Ward West Auckland and mother of eight-year-old twins.
I am now stepping up to stand as the next Mayor of Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland.
I am standing for the Mayoralty because I have been called by my community.
My iwi, Ngāti Paoa, and Aucklanders from every walk of life have told me they want change.
They want someone younger with a positive vision and real action, not fear and constant cuts to our services. They see a younger woman with the expertise and values to bring fresh ideas to the Auckland Council and our Super City.
I have an extensive background in running my own business both in New Zealand and in the UK.
I ran my own consultancy business in the UK and also launched a property investment business in New Zealand more than 20 years ago.
Addressing immediate needs
In policy, I am dedicated to providing affordable housing, building smarter infrastructure and supporting safer and stronger communities with the services that we need to thrive.
In addition, financial accountability is a main focus. I believe in bringing Auckland Transport back in-house along with our other Council Controlled Organisations’ (CCOs), economic development and Eke Panuku, Auckland’s urban regeneration arm. This means elected members have direct oversight over the budgets and every dollar spent. A portion of Auckland Transports capital funds should come back to local board areas who can decide on their own key priority projects.
I also believe that we need more localised contracting for our local communities.
I value the genuinely responsible use of ratepayers’ money, not turning a blind eye to shady deals, or funnelling our hard-earned public assets into private hands.
I believe in building quality infrastructure for the long term with a 30-year bipartisan transport and infrastructure plan for our city. I will prioritise safety and sustainability in our environment for our city with a key focus on future-proofing Auckland.
and Co-Parent Damian Hauwai, a Music Teacher and Musician (Photo Supplied)
Key Infrastructure Policies
My key infrastructure policies will be on building a train line from the Auckland Airport connecting with existing infrastructure, the Avondale Southdown rail line and the Waitemata crossing to address the heavy load of traffic on the Harbour Bridge.
For the past five years, I have been on both the Waitemata Local Board (Central Auckland) and the main Auckland Council, so I have all the essential knowledge and skills to lead from Day 1.
I have a Master’s degree in International Politics and Economics from King’s College London.
It is important to have a strong and credible progressive choice.
Perhaps most importantly, I am a lifelong Aucklander and mother who wants to see a refreshed style of leadership for this beautiful place we call home: Leadership that will encourage entrepreneurs and skilled young people to stay in Auckland and raise their families here; Leadership that unites Aucklanders and makes them feel proud and connected to their communities.
I am happy to meet with anyone and everyone to talk about our city’s future and what we want to achieve. For more info or to make contact, please visit www.kerrinleoniformayor.com.
Kerrin Leoni is a declared candidate for the Auckland Mayoralty. She is currently a Councillor representing the Whau Ward. Elections for local government posts will be held on October 11, 2025.
