COMMUNITY VOICES: It's starting to get interesting | Auckland Opinion | Local Voices from Auckland, New Zealand

Our Community Voices find much to talk about in the rumbles from the campaign hustings - particularly in the brawl for the regional mayoralty. What are their neighbours saying?

A developing schism in the profiles of John Banks and Len Brown is emerging and making the election interesting, says city lawyer Gregory Shanahan. "There is no doubt Brown is being coached to appeal to women and the west; adopting banners formerly held by Bob Harvey. We will see how this manifests itself as the campaign unfolds."

It was to be expected Mr Banks and Mr Brown would rise to the top of the list, he says, with the other candidates being contenders, at best, for seats at the council table.

For him, water bills are becoming an interesting point of debate. "Whatever formula is adopted, it must be the same for all. If this results in hardship for some, there are relief provisions available. It is essential we have a safe and efficient system for the collection, reticulation and treatment of water and wastewater.

"However, the revenue gathered from this business, and it is a business as well, must also be sufficient to provide a return on capital to fund its operation and the repair, renewal and expansion of the plant and infrastructure. It will be important to get this balance right."

Businessman John Eady says voters are too fragmented so there won't be one big issue dictating results. "This is not about single-issue politics. It is about being able to manage the community and moving forward. I'm after someone with a bit more nous, looking at the bigger picture."

Mr Eady is not swayed by the new Roskill Community Voice local board ticket wanting to reverse the decision to remove Monte Cecilia School to increase surrounding parklands, either. "It is just one issue and it's an altruistic blessing to the city."

He's anxious to see the final list of candidates, what they represent and what political factions or tickets they are part of.

On the other hand, Regional Migrant Service executive director Mary Dawson isn't excited by what she's read or heard from mayoral or local board candidates.

"The future of our city will depend on how much our leaders embrace a vision that is about stimulating community involvement and valuing cultural diversity in workplaces, local neighbourhoods and communal recreational areas."

She wants leaders who strongly support partnerships between the community sector, local council and central government to address these issues.

"We need leaders who are vigilant and solution-focused about problems such as lack of housing, isolation, youth unemployment, inadequate community facilities, racial discrimination."

Lawyer Olinda Woodroffe says transparency and accountability are the key issues in good governance and wants all candidates to clarify the facts and figures to support proposals. "The people I've talked to from South, West, and the inner-city all believe that the mayoral candidates still lack specificity. Of course, we would all like to sing the same song, as Mr Banks is reported to have said. We cannot sing the same song if we do not know the words."

However, she says it is good to see some commonsense focus on issues relating to the wellbeing of the community.

"Len Brown has at least spelt out his environmental goals and aiming for a 40 per cent reduction of carbon emission by 2020, and has a vision of including an inner-city rail loop to clear the roads."

"What policy does Mr Banks have in mind to bring about success for the community? Is he talking about financial success giving jobs to the unemployed, or success of investors in getting more returns for their investment?"

For rugby league referees' chief Wayne Urquhart, the serious contenders recognise the fickle nature of voting sentiment. "John Banks and Len Brown understand hard and soft infrastructure, social issues and environmental sustainability will deliver victory."

But little differentiates them from an overall policy perspective. He is glad to see Banks openly questioning the funding model of large ticket projects but would not like to see them scrapped.

He believes the water issue will not detract from the focus on cornerstone issues. "Water is a necessity and Auckland is fortunate to have a well-managed supply of it.

"We are well indoctrinated to the notion of 'user pays' and, as with land rates, the issue is just the most equitable rating calculation for all."

Both leading candidates have a traditional power-base across the greater city; each from the usual opposing red/blue political genres. "Surveys show a neck-and-neck race but, ultimately, voter apathy will be the telling statistic."

Grey Power newsletter editor Margaret Bijl is amazed the rationale for setting up the new region appears to be under attack from Wellington.

"The new mayor is expected to provide a vision for the city. Our mayoralty candidates have delivered a vision for transport and, immediately, the Transport Minister told them their ideas are too expensive.

"Auckland has suffered for years from piecemeal, quick-fix solutions. We need people with vision, with no interference from the Government."

Screening times for TV debates are unsuitable and too many candidates depend on websites, a form of technology that many elderly people do not have access to.

Driving past hoardings offers little more than a glimpse, she says. "I'm waiting for the printed booklets to come out telling us who is in our voting area."

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.