Mayor of North Shore  -  Mayoral Candidate for Auckland 

Looking after the Communities of Auckland with independent, progressive leadership

Greetings, Kia Ora

In recent months an increasing number of people have been urging me to stand for Mayor of the new Auckland.   This has intensified in the past weeks to the point where I have made a decision to run for office.

I have had one term's experience as mayor of New Zealand's 4th largest city, North Shore City, and I believe I have been very successful in that role.   Prior to that I had experience as a city councillor (2001-2004) and community board member (2004 - 2007).   I am also a North Shore Hearings Commissioner and as such have added knowledge of the regulatory side of council and all that is involved in the resource consent processes.

My previous career dating back to 1977 in international trade adds the business dimension to skills that I would bring to the mayoral role. For nine years I was the Trade Commissioner for Belgium and Luxembourg, and included extensive consular and diplomatic activities as the Honorary Vice Consul of Belgium.   I find that the trade and negotiations experience I have had are most helpful in my mayoral discussions, helping to resolve many situations that need a workable outcome.

One of my key objectives if elected would be to ensure that we look after the communities of Auckland so that wherever the citizens of the new city live or work, they feel equally part of the new city.   This is not just about an Auckland CBD-centric focused council where the outlying areas take second place in community priorities.

When I refer to communities I mean not just the different physical geographical communities but also communites of interest including community organisations, ethnic communities, our aged and youth communities, disabled and disadvantaged communities, and sport and cultural communities.

I will also be giving high priority with a progressive leadership role towards advancing Auckland's transport needs, accelerating economic development and job creation, sustainable regional planning with careful environmental safeguards, and will work closely with Police and other agencies for public safety and crime prevention.

I will use my negotiating skills to bring Auckland together to advance the Auckland waterfront project and stop the many years of indecision about this most special part of our harbour.   It is time for Auckland to come together with a team plan that we can all buy into and see a collective vision that we will all be proud of.

I have strong relationships with many of the key people across the region and nationally that will help us to bring the new Auckland Council into life with positive energy and spirit.

Andrew Williams

mayor@andrewwilliams.co.nz

Top 5 Issues

1. Independent Progressive Leadership
   
   Auckland needs an experienced independent Mayoral voice - not politically influenced - who will speak for and on behalf of the people. I am a man of the people and offer open minded, progressive, lateral thinking where the real issues and outcomes are the priority for our communities and the region as a whole.
   
2. Looking after the Communities of Auckland
   
   I am a Mayor who takes care of my community by listening to and acting on the needs of the people. I will continue to look after the communities of Auckland mindful of the diversity of needs, cultures, ages, abilities, and history.
   
3. Public Transport
   
   I have championed public transport, transit lanes, shuttle buses on the Northern Busway, airport buses, electric trains, ferries, free off peak fares for our seniors and reduced fares for students. We will provide a fully integrated transport system to get Auckland moving and as Mayor I will take a lead role in this.
   
   
4. Infrastructure, Economic Growth and Problem Solving
   
   An efficient prosperous Auckland will require quality infrastructure that provides connectivity to service a growing economy. With a strong business background, I have overseen significant achievements in this area and will continue to show committed leadership in the Auckland roll-out of much needed major infrastructure, e.g. the next harbour crossing
   
   In terms of problem solving, two first priorities as North Shore Mayor were to solve the outstanding impasses of the Albany Senior High School and the Birkenhead Library - both of which were homeless. Concerned at the impact on these communities, I promised I would address these with urgency, and as a result both were swiftly resolved. With Mayoral leadership we also resolved the Whenuapai Airport controversy and the 18 year Pak 'N Save Wairau Road Supermarket wrangle.
   
   
5. Public Open Space and a Vibrant City
   
   Auckland is a special lifestyle city in the South Pacific that places a high priority on protecting its environment. We must ensure plenty of green spaces and clean beaches for a growing population. As Mayor I have worked hard to secure many more precious reserves and coastal areas for our city and region....and will continue to do so for all of Auckland.
   
   I actively support the arts, culture, sports, entertainment, business, and tourism which together create a vibrant international city and region. Aucklanders will take pride in all that the city has to offer its people and visitors.
   

Personal Profile

Professional career

Mayor of North Shore City   Oct 2007 - present

Takapuna Community Board 2004 - 2007
North Shore City Councillor 2001 - 2004
North Shore Hearings Commissioner 2001 - present

Trade Commissioner   Nov 1998 - Oct 2007

Trade Commissioner of Belgium (Flanders/Wallonia/Luxembourg)

Development of trade between those countries and New Zealand.
Honorary Vice Consul of Belgium consular and diplomatic role.
Founding President of the NZ-Europe Business Council

International Trade Management  Feb 1977 - Oct 2007. 

Thirty year international career in meat, venison, food exports, shipping, air cargo and international trade promotion.
 

Qualifications 

NZ International Marketing Institute

Advanced Marketing Management

Education

Rangitoto College, North Shore

Central Hawkes Bay College, Waipukurau

St. Peter's School, Cambridge

Likes and interests

My Family, Community, Friends, Walking, Boating,

Travel, Cuisine, Drama, Music, Arts, Sports