John Banks. Photo / Herald on Sunday
Opinion
The deputy mayors of Auckland City and Manukau councils, David Hay and Gary Troup, say why they think their leader is the best person to be the first mayor of the Super City.
David Hay: Track record in leadership
Bringing together a new council from eight authorities will be a huge task requiring leadership. I was there for the last round of amalgamation in 1989, and that's why I'm convinced John Banks is the best man for the job. He has the
track record in local and central government, business and life experiences to do the job of Mayor well.
The transition is a time for stable confident leadership with a Mayor who can negotiate and make the hard decisions when under pressure and scrutiny. Many of you need a Mayor who is a careful spender and will keep people's rates down. John Banks won't treat ratepayers as a cash cow, and will be fiscally responsible.
We need a cheerleader to champion Auckland and help bring jobs and infrastructure to our city, and work positively with the Government to get results for Auckland. Only John Banks can do that.
John is also a man who supports the arts, culture and heritage, a family man, and someone who can bring parties together to get better results for the community. He will serve you and the new Auckland Council well.
*David Hay is deputy mayor of Auckland City.
Gary Troup: Delivering fairness and vision
Strong leadership, fairness, trust, passion and vision - these aren't just catch phrases for Len Brown. He lives by, believes in and has delivered on these characteristics as mayor.
Len's leadership is inclusive, consultative, can-do and firm but fair. He has strengthened our communities by listening to them, making decisions and creating momentum.
Manukau has strong economic growth, delivers transport infrastructure, retains its public assets and works alongside police to cut youth gang violence, tackle drugs, reduce crime, and clean up graffiti. Len can unite our communities behind a common purpose and build a strong, vibrant and progressive region. He draws experience from the community and commercial worlds as a partner in an Auckland law firm, from his time in public service and as chair of the Local Government metro mayors committee. Len has delivered the lowest rates, water and waste water charges in the region. Our council has one of the strongest balance sheets in Auckland. We have delivered on essential infrastructure. He has a positive vision for Auckland and the leadership to deliver. That's why he is the best choice.
*Gary Troup, deputy mayor of Manukau City
* From the New Zealand Herald feature, 'Super City - Election Guide'
