Auckland mayoral candidate Kerrin Leoni is making waves in the race for Tāmaki Makaurau, promising to prioritise infrastructure and affordable housing if elected.
Voting papers have been sent out this week, with voting open until 12 noon on 11 October.
Leoni is the lead opposition to incumbent mayor Wayne Brown, who is seeking a second term.
She says intensification must be matched with proper planning, and she’s committed to supporting Māori representation at the council table.
“So for Māori, if we want to have Māori representation going forward at that table, at that governing body table, then we need someone who’s going to support Māori wards. And I clearly supported them this term, and I will be pushing for Māori wards if I become Mayor of Auckland as well.”
Leoni also highlights the urgent need to address Auckland’s vacant homes and ensure decent living standards for all communities.
“We have got a lot of buildings that are vacant at the moment… We should be focusing on filling those empty homes up, as well as building. It is all about density done well, and building in places where there is the right infrastructure to support that housing.”
