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Auckland city at night - Source: Thinkstock -
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With three months to go until the local body election polling day, ONE News has asked the seven Auckland super mayoral candidates to reflect on the most pressing issue facing our biggest city.
The candidates standing for the Auckland super city mayoralty in the October elections include former actor Simon Prast, Auckland City mayor John Banks, Manukau mayor Len Brown, water campaigner Penny Bright, comedian Ewen Gilmour, property manager Colin Craig and North Shore mayor Andrew Williams.
Diane Robertson from the Auckland City mission says Auckland needs someone with vision. "What I think we really need is somebody who has an overall vision for the region about the people."
Auckland Mayor John Banks says leadership to build infrastructure, maintain services and deliver savings is most important.
Manukau's Mayor Len Brown says he is focussing on Auckland's transport and infrastructure.
Meanwhile North Shore's Mayor, Andrew Williams, wants to add value to the city and give ratepayers a sense of belonging.
However these men lose points with the business lobby for not making a long term plan for the city their top priority, "because nothing else can proceed without it", says Alasdair Thompson from the Employers and Manufacturers Association.
But property manager Colin Craig does score points with Thompson for picking a "massive financial issue" - leaky homes.
Actor Simon Prast puts "sensible effective government" at the top of his list, while activist Penny Bright is pushing for a "regional rates revolt".
However Thompson says none of the candidates are talking about the bigger picture and the vision for Auckland.
What do you think of the candidates' priorities? Let us know on our message board what you think the big issues are.
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Post new commentmessagesent said on 2010-07-16 @ 18:11 NZDT: Report abusive post
25% Aucklanders have a disability. What are the priorities for Candidates to make this sector group inclusive to all decision making levels? i.e. Businesses, accessibility, urban design, transport, housing.