COMMUNITY VOICES: Don't mention the election | Auckland Opinion | Local Voices from Auckland, New Zealand

Election buzz? It's only a whisper in Waitakere. Handfuls of billboards are up, but information is scarce and people remain uninterested. Our Community Voices report.

Many billboards focus on groups, which doesn't impress Kubi Witten-Hannah: "I think, in local politics, people want to vote for a person. I don't think people wanna vote for a group regardless of those in it."

The departing chairman of Waitakere Community Board tends towards supporting Len Brown, but hasn't enjoyed mayoral debates. "I saw a bit of the televised debate but I have to admit I turned it off. They were just sort of shouting and that didn't really do anything for me.

"What I'm looking for is a sense that they understand what the issues are in Waitakere. We don't want to see Waitakere swamped by Greater Auckland and don't want to lose the good things that have been brought up.

"I want them to take the best ideas from all of the areas but, at the same time, I do want a fresh approach."

A hot topic among candidates has been a proposed user-pays system for wastewater. Mayoral candidate John Banks has hinted it's on the cards and Citizens and Ratepayers president John Slater supports it.

Mr Witten-Hannah notes the debate, but doubts drastic changes will be made straight away. "It does worry me that things like water are going up in price. I think there's so many things to be sorted before we can start making cost reductions or changes."

Graeme Tremain, of Te Atatu, says: "The area in which I move appears to be awash in a sea of apathy. When I introduce the subject people politely listen, may make a short comment and then quickly move onto another unrelated subject. They are not interested in any in-depth discussion."

The retired dental surgeon says some people think the amalgamation is a good move to unite Auckland but they are concerned about a lack of quality candidates. He drove around Te Atatu the other day and counted only six billboards. "It appears to be a case of the same old, same old.

"Some of these billboards flaunted the Citizens and Ratepayers' logo and, in this respect, I have to agree with [commentator on www. theaucklander.co.nz] Hugh Chapman calling for an end to ticket and party politics."

Duncan Blakely, of Hobsonville, says his area is much the same. "I think it's a bit low-key. The community isn't aware as much. The young people aren't interested; they think it's a fore-gone conclusion."

The engineering factory manager and residents and ratepayers association member says his district wonders if it will still have a voice.

"One would have thought [running for mayor] was supposed to be for the community and not for Labour or such things. It would be nice in the next tier down from the mayoral position; maybe we'll get more of a community voice on that."

Matipo Primary principal Wayne Bainbridge remains unimpressed by candidates' efforts: "I saw the debate from Unitec and I thought it came across as amateur. It was superficial."

In his area, he says all the candidates have done "is put up signs ... There's no change. There's a lack of interest, people are generally indifferent and no one cares. We had the 16-page mailer and I've spoken to no one yet who has read it.

"I think one of the reasons there's not a lot of interest is we don't know who is standing."

He hasn't seen any forms announcing policy, claiming candidates rely on putting up signs. "Most of the candidates will rely on name recognition, rather than having a strong policy platform."

Georgia Ball agrees. She's noticed few billboards, most of which are "cheap and tacky".

The former community board member, a semi-retired Henderson resident, says the merger will be a "biggie" and she hopes mayoral candidates can handle the pressure.

She has noticed many candidates running for multiple positions. "One of the things I don't like is double-dipping, when you stand for mayor and local board. I believe they are not making an honest commitment. I haven't had one drop-off from a candidate. I want to know what their achievements are. I'm still looking for goodness, experience and integrity. I want the best for this city."

Te Atatu sports facilitator Warren Ogilvie is one voice who has heard his burning issue discussed by mayoral candidates at a Harbour Sport debate. "The general feeling from people I have talked to is, that Len Brown showed greater understanding of the issues when answering the questions presented to the candidates before the debate.

"The debate showed the strength Len Brown and John Banks have over the other candidates.

"Len Brown talked about a community approach and long-term vision.

"He was quite careful about not promising too much although the roll-out of Year 4-Year 5 free swimming for all children was highlighted. He was proud of Sir John Walker's 'find your field of dreams' initiative and wanted to roll this out in other parts of Auckland.

"John Banks would put together a group within the new council to look specifically at sport and recreation. Provision of good-quality facilities was outlined to provide the best opportunity for participation. He spoke about the success of College Rifles' all-weather surface, fields at Avondale racecourse, Eden Park and the renovation of the Tepid Baths.

"Colin Craig outlined the need for improved participation, providing sensible events and the coordination of sporting facilities."

What is this project about? October's local body elections represent a historic moment for our region: for the first time, voters from Te Arai Pt to Pukekohe, Piha to Pohutukawa Coast will elect one mayor and council. They will also choose members of 21 local boards. Each of our four editions - North, West, Central and South - has mustered a panel of local identities to comment on the campaign. This is the third in the series.