Gidday. I’m Gary Brown and a number of people have asked me to run for Mayor of Auckland.

I’ve lived in this city for more than 50 years – from Pukekohe to Orewa.

I love Auckland – but there are aspects of our city that we all find frustrating, so I’m stepping in because it’s time for change.

I’ve been working at the local board level for the last 3 years.

In that time, I’ve seen the inner workings, and behind the scenes, of how council operates.

I’m also out in the communities every day – learning what our people love and also how our people are struggling.

There are many things to celebrate about our city.

The Northern busway and the Waterview tunnels have already proven to be fantastic for our communities.

The Waterfront development is exciting, providing a much needed shared space that everyone can enjoy, while bringing our people back together again.

There’s been some great work with the Council Controlled Organizations – but of course, there’s scope to do better.

Most importantly, our people – in the face of some of the toughest economic times in history – are doing their best to help each other – to create a city that we can all be proud of.

Auckland is a fantastic city – but many Aucklanders are telling me they don’t like or believe in what our city has become.

So that’s why I’m stepping in to help, with fresh energy, a fresh vision and some good old common sense.

People are telling me that their rates are higher than ever!

You should know how your rates are being allocated and what your dollars are doing to rebuild YOUR AUCKLAND.

Homelessness is a problem – not just in the central city, but everywhere.

As your leader, I would be encouraging council to step in and work more closely with MSD, charity organisations and Police to do more than just treat the symptoms, but look at the cause of this issue, helping these people find food, shelter and the critical support they need to live better.

This would enable our residents in those areas to feel safe in their own homes while encouraging Aucklanders to visit other communities again.

There are so many issues that need to be addressed.

• Family Violence
• Infrastructure
• Transport
• Gangs

And of course, rebuilding our businesses again.

I know, because I’m hearing this from our constituents every day and I’m experiencing it too.

We need better and more robust infrastructure solutions

We need better communication and connection with our diverse and beautiful communities

We need to listen to what YOU – OUR PEOPLE want and need to live a better life.

We need more transparency and open communication around the governance of our city

and THAT is what I’m here to do.

This is my Auckland – this is YOUR AUCKLAND.

So let’s do this together.

I’m Gary Brown and I’m listening.