Every three years (this year) we get the chance to vote for who we want to represent us and our community across the Auckland region. When elected, these representatives will help make decisions that affect how we live, work, and play in our neighbourhoods.
Local government in Auckland, also known as Auckland Council, takes care of services and facilities. It provides opportunities for residents to get involved in local decisions that affect the community, the city and how those facilities are cared for and developed.
There are 170 elected members who set the direction and staff who work to deliver projects, programmes, services, and initiatives to make Auckland the best it can be. The council’s decisions cover all aspects of living in the region including enhancing the beauty of our regional parks, local library opening hours, playgrounds and sports grounds, leisure centres and water and waste services. Elected members also make much bigger decisions on things such as Auckland’s response to climate change, and the biodiversity of our region.
Council is not the only one involved in making Auckland a better place though; it also supports the work of others. When you hear the sound of native birds in your backyard you can be assured that some of this is down to community groups working with council to protect the natural environment in nearby parks and reserves. Auckland Council works with mana whenua and other councils to protect and enhance the Hauraki Gulf so that everyone can enjoy it both now and, in the future.
Our council-controlled organisation Auckland Transport also keeps the region running providing public transport, repairing and building roads and footpaths and working with government agencies to ensure that Auckland has the right transport system for the future.
Check out all of the work going on that impacts you and your whānau and the ways that you can participate in these decisions at Auckland Council and You.
The online programme gives an overview of what council does and what the elections mean for everyone in Tāmaki Makaurau, making local democracy easy to understand. It's free to access and a great resource for anyone who wants to find out how to have their say on important matters in their neighbourhood.
Remember to vote – voting opens 16 September and closes midday 8 October.
For everything you need to know about voting, visit voteauckland.co.nz
