Mayor seizes campaign opportunity

John Banks was open about campaigning yesterday. Photo / Kenny Rodger

Auckland City Mayor John Banks went to the Bruce Mason Centre in Takapuna yesterday with a campaign speech setting out his vision for the Super City.

Hde spoke of creating a truly great city for his daughter, Natalia, the Russian orphan he brought to New Zealand 13 years ago and who is now a nurse.

And he told how Auckland, having slipped behind cities such as Brisbane, could pull its weight once again through bold ideas and brave leadership.

Flanked by a small team of councillors and staff on unfamiliar territory, the seasoned politician and Remuera resident made a point of reaching out beyond the boundaries of Auckland City.

The waterfront was not just about Queens Wharf and the Tank Farm, he said. It was about the harbours and coasts that united all Aucklanders - the Manukau foreshore, Gulf Harbour, Herald Island, Devonport, Waiheke Island and Great Barrier Island.

It was about the Counties-Manukau Education Trust, the Waitakere Film cluster, the Tamaki Transformation project - and tackling deprivation and inequality regionwide.

Mr Banks was quite open afterwards that his address to the Auckland governance select committee was a campaign speech.

As the only declared candidate, he has already started campaigning "long and hard", and made a point of shaking hands with staff at the cultural centre.

"I clearly understand I have no right to this election. I'm going to take my chances. I'm going to put my best foot forward and my interests are getting the best outcome for New Zealand."

At the select committee hearing, the former National Cabinet minister made his case for a minimum of eight at-large councillors on the Super Auckland Council.

They would bring an Auckland-wide perspective to the table as opposed to local parochialism like that he saw as a Birkenhead councillor on the old Auckland Regional Authority.

Pushing for at-large councillors is out of step with most submitters appearing before the select committee, as was his council's case for the Auckland Council to determine what powers and functions should be delegated to local boards under the Super City.

The general view is the powers and functions should be enshrined in legislation to prevent centralised control of local issues.

Mr Banks also used the occasion to unveil his first policy - Auckland infrastructure bonds as an alternative to "fly-by-night" finance companies. This would give the elderly and others the assurance that Auckland savings were funding Auckland.

AUCKLAND CITY

Super City Council - Supports.
Super Mayor - Supports mayor with executive powers, elected at large.
Ward/at-large councillors - Minimum of eight at-large councillors. Maximum of 21 ward councillors.
Local boards - Supports lower end of Government proposal for 20 to 30 local boards. Powers determined by Super City Council.
Maori seats - Does not support Maori seats.