Last week, left-wing commentator Matt McCarten gave his picks for the Super City council. Today, Carrick Graham, campaign manager for Waitemata-Gulf candidate Tenby Powell, does the same from a conservative viewpoint.
Right-leaning political commentator Carrick Graham favours some fresh faces over experienced candidates for the new council.
Mr Graham, the son of former National Party Cabinet minister Sir Douglas Graham, backed six independents and several other candidates who do not belong to the two dominant political groups.
While he also endorsedsome Citizens and Ratepayers members, he felt political tickets were losing their relevance.
"I think there is a shift in the political future of Auckland where it's not so much a left and right. I think people want the councillors to get on, be professional and not engage in political attacks. We need fresh faces, and people who can work together and push forward.
"No disrespect to some of the candidates, but the world has changed, and sometimes it's best to bow out gracefully."
His endorsements follow left-leaning commentator Matt McCarten's council picks, published in the Herald on Tuesday.
Mr Graham was not willing to endorse a mayor, saying neither Len Brown nor John Banks had what was required to take Auckland forward.
"We need a leader who has very clearly articulated a vision for Auckland, one that is not only inclusive and decisive ... but someone who is new and fresh, and not the same old stuff from the past."
In the deeply blue Orakei ward, Mr Graham endorsed former Newmarket Business Association head and independent candidate Cameron Brewer.
Although Mr Graham endorsed the Citizens and Ratepayers ticket in Albany, he said blogger Cameron Slater should not be ruled out.
FROM THE RIGHT
Carrick Graham's choices:
Mayor: No endorsement.
Rodney: Penny Webster.
Albany: Linda Cooper, Josephine Kim.
North Shore: Christine Rankin, no other endorsement.
Waitakere: Penny Hulse, Marie Hasler.
Whau: Noelene Raffills.
Albert-Eden-Roskill: Mark Donnelly, Christine Fletcher.
Waitemata and Gulf: Tenby Powell.
Orakei: Cameron Brewer.
Maungakiekie-Tamaki: Alfred Ngaro.
Manukau: Arthur Anae, no other endorsement.
Howick: Dick Quax, Jami-Lee Ross.
Manurewa-Papakura: Sir John Walker, no other endorsement.
Franklin: Des Morrison.
