COMMUNITY VOICES: Where is the wow? | Auckland Opinion | Local Voices from Auckland, New Zealand

Around Waitakere, interest in October's local body elections is low and candidates appear few and far between.

Wayne Bainbridge, principal of Matipo Primary, says, generally, people think the time to vote is a long way off, and they are disappointed in the calibre of candidates.

"I still get no sense of interest, excitement or passion about the elections. There is a very ho-hum feeling that the election is some time away and no one is much interested.

"This may be a reflection on the quality of the candidates announced to date - the same old retreaded candidates who don't want to give up."

Mr Bainbridge wonders where the fresh faces are. "Where are the younger, exciting, articulate, positive new candidates reflecting that demographically, Waitakere is one of the the youngest cities in the country?

"My prediction is that there will be an even lower voter turnout than last election."

Georgia Ball agrees, saying the new region is still waiting for a mayoral candidate with "wow factor".

"A lot of the people I've spoken with are saying, 'So what?'. There's not enough information and people are feeling like they haven't had a fair go."

This semi-retired Henderson resident and former community board member wonders whether the pay for council positions is enough to attract the big players.

"Being elected would be a great challenge but I'm wondering where all of the people are. We need to have some experience, but good governance comes from a wide range of backgrounds."

Graeme Tremain, a retired dental surgeon from Te Atatu, shares Mrs Ball's view on pay for elected officials, and thinks this will affect local boards most.

Feedback to him has centred on mayoral candidates and local boards. "There is also a general dissatisfaction regarding the way the super-city has been bulldozed through by Government, coupled with a certain distrust of Rodney Hide who has been described as somewhat of a dictator.

"There is a realisation and acceptance that the super-city will happen and that Auckland will have to make the best of the situation. Of real concern is the speed with which the formation of the super-city has been pushed through and while the majority do not understand details of funding, or the lack of funding as far as the local boards are concerned, there is a general atmosphere of disquiet.

"People know of the proposed existence of local boards but are bemused as to their number, content and to how they are to interact with the city council.

"I believe that they have every right to be so bemused as it is very difficult to ascertain what level of funding the boards will receive, what remuneration the individual board members can expect to receive and will that remuneration be enough to attract quality personnel. There is genuine concern as to whether the local boards will be an effective voice for the community."

Many of the people he has spoken with are concerned about the mayoral candidates.

"Only Brown and Banks feature largely in conversation and most people accept that whatever faults they may have, the mayoralty will be decided between these two."

Warren Ogilvie still hopes for a few new voices and new leaders. "I want to see leaders that have a collaborative approach, as opposed to ones that are lobbying for minor issues/groups or ones that want solutions for alleged past grievances."

He wants candidates to outline what will happen to Waitakere's Eco-City vision, further rail developments, improved urban design and control of council business and public facilities.

Mr Ogilvie is a regional adviser for Sport Waitakere and will attend the mayoral candidates' debate on August 16, set up by Harbour Sport to address sporting issues across Auckland (see this week's story 'Political football').

Duncan Blakley says not enough information about local candidates is available to the general public.

"I am really surprised by the comments that the people I have talked to have made, and feel that there really needs to be a ramp-up of the public awareness to these elections.

"To date, all my feedback has been negative, with the younger generation completely unaware of the major changes that are to take place," laments the engineering factory manager and Residents & Ratepayers Association member.

Only Kubi Witten-Hannah expects the field of candidates out west to become quite crowded. "I'll be looking forward to seeing just who is there when nominations close."

As the outgoing chairman of Waitakere Community Board, Mr Witten-Hannah says he knows of several former councillors who are considering standing again, and also some new and younger faces.

He does not expect another serious mayoral candidate to put up their hand in the next couple of months.

"I have seen successful businessmen join the race but I think more than business skills are needed. Much though I admire the work of Simon Prast and Ewen Gilmour, I don't think we need someone to act as a mayor or make Auckland a joke.

"I hope there will be a good mix of experienced and new among councillors. I am concerned at the prospect of too many professional politicians.

"I'll be looking for candidates who have achieved something outside the political arena. The new council will need people with a good range of skills."

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 observe and comment on the campaign. This is the second in the series.