Auckland Mayoralty
Staff Reporter –
info@indiannewslink.co.nz
The Mayoralty Debate organised by Multicultural New Zealand as a part of its three-day Anniversary celebrations on June 25, 2016 at Gateway Hotel in Mangere, Auckland was a spirited, but dignified event.
Facilitated by the Editor of this newspaper, the Panel included four contestants – David Hay, John Palino, Mark Thomas, Phil Goff and Victoria Crone (the sixth candidate Penny Bright was not present).
Serious challenges
Predictably all of them offered their solutions to the housing crisis, traffic bottleneck, Auckland Council budget blowout, multiculturalism and the future of Auckland.
Some of them criticised the functioning or otherwise of current Mayor Len Brown and promised responsible spending.
The Mayoral race in Auckland is clearly emerging as a personality vote rather than a party grouping. Each of the contestants displayed a passion for Auckland, pledging to make it a more liveable and loveable City.
Indian Newslink has welcomed each of the contestants to talk to its readers in general and Aucklanders in particular about their programme of action for the largest City in the country and ways and means of promoting its status as the world’s multicultural melting pot and a popular business, tourist and migrant destination.
Extended coverage
As the Mayoral debate and expectations heat up along with local board elections, we will provide extended coverage to enable you to decide, and more importantly vote in the local government elections.
As we often hear, “You will have the right to question the functioning of the local government only if you have exercised your franchise.”
Photo (by Indian Newslink) taken at the Mayoral contestants at the Panel Discussion of Multicultural New Zealand on June 25, 2016 (from left) John Palino, Victoria Crone, Mark Thomas, David Hay and Phil Goff.
