VIEWS: The greatest Aucklanders | Auckland Opinion | Local Voices from Auckland, New Zealand

We asked our readers to choose their local heroes: today we reveal your vote, and our choices.

The greatest Auckland of all time

You chose: SIR DOVE-MYER ROBINSON

"He wasn't capped on the rugby field. He didn't conquer any mountains. Nor did he bring any trophies back to Auckland. The truth is that he wasn't even born in New Zealand but, as Auckland's longest serving mayor [1959-65, 1968-80], 'Robbie' did more for the quality of life of Aucklanders then and now than any other individual. Robbie was the one who stood up and said: 'No more sewage in the Hauraki Gulf!' Aucklanders and visitors to the region continue to enjoy the benefits of his stand on this issue. Robbie went down fighting for a rapid transit solution to the traffic problems this wonderful statesman could see looming on the city's horizon. Road traffic won the day and Robbie was voted out; but even then, Auckland's little champion knew what problems lay ahead. In the year 2010, Aucklanders are only just beginning to realise that Robbie had the answers all along. If only we had taken action on more of his visionary thinking." - Tony Wainhouse

NOMINEES Sir Keith Park, Arthur Lydiard, Sir John Logan Campbell, Sir Edmund Hillary

We chose: SIR JOHN LOGAN CAMPBELL

Not only because he chose Auckland over Aussie, not because he was one of the city's first two European settlers, not because he built the first house, set up the first business and opened the first shop. He was the first to export food from NZ; the first to send cargo directly to England. He founded the ASB, was a director of the BNZ and NZI, bankrolled the major newspaper, Southern Cross; was Superintendent (Governor) of the province; MP, Cabinet Minister, Mayor. And yes, he made a lot of money from brewing. And gave a lot away: you can't list the charities, societies, educational groups - children's homes, St John Ambulance, the School of Design - of which he was chairman, director, trustee, president, or secretary. Yes, his views might be unfashionable now; but he was a man of his times. And in those times, and these, he is the Father of Auckland.

The greatest living Aucklander

You chose: DAME CATH TIZARD

City and regional councillor, first woman Mayor (1983), first woman Governor-General (1990). "Cath Tizard threw away the rulebooks of expectations for women, academics, local politics and international representation and set her own highly-principled standards for herself in all things. In doing so she inspired countless others. Her passionate and clear-headed vision for Auckland moved our city forward in extraordinary ways. Her willingness to listen to those who communicated succinctly helped activate countless community projects and events. Her ability to be decisive cleared many pathways that would otherwise have become bogged in bureaucracy. As Governor-General she was regally dignified and intellectually prudent in her guidance. Yet she always found time to share her sheer pleasure of everything great about Auckland and New Zealand. Her sense of humour was legendary - and still is. If only
there was a Cath Tizard standing for Super-Mayor!"- G McGechan

NOMINEES Bob Kerridge, Ray Avery, Sir Peter Leitch, Sir Stephen Tindall, Helen Clark, Sir Paul Reeves

We chose: DR RODNEY WILSON

We couldn't disagree with any of the public's nominees. And we uncovered many more vibrant, committed contributors to life and their communities across the region. But when we wanted to isolate one person who has - to use one of those horrible catch-phrases - "added value" to Auckland life, to Auckland's community, we couldn't go past this man. As director of the War Memorial Museum, he revitalised the place and its organisation, investing $110 million over 12 years; launched the Maritime Museum from the germ of an idea; brushed up the tired, fading Art Gallery. He's been central to book, art, architectural awards. Those are only some of his contributions, and if it sounds like a pointy-head, think again: all of these projects were centred on the public's involvement and enjoyment.