With postal ballots now closed and the last day to cast votes in local elections this Saturday, October 8th, it has become clear that there are two front-runners for the position of Mayor of the City of Sails – Wayne Brown and Efeso Collins.
In a Q&A poll issued by TVNZ ten days ago, Brown led 34 percent against Collins’ 29 percent among decided voters and Brown’s trend has been upward in other polling as well.
SupermarketNews magazine reached out to both candidates to share with readers what they each plan to do to help the Auckland business sector – a sector that has been plagued with the impacts of Covid-19, inflation, and a rise in violent crime.
While Brown is yet to reply (the request was sent a week ago), Collins responded almost immediately, answering concerns around community safety, the changing nature of work and its impact on surrounding businesses, and the visitor economy.
“Auckland’s economy, industry and communities are facing significant challenges ahead. As we emerge from the pandemic a lot of uncertainties remain,” he said.
Collins noted that community safety is an issue across the city that needs focused, inclusive, and decisive leadership.
“Like many social issues, safety affects us all and requires us all to be active participants. It cannot be left to the Police and the justice sector.”
Collins said he is committed to bringing back the vibrancy of the city through signature events, overseas students, industry conferences and visitor attractions. He has also promised to ensure infrastructure projects and public works are completed quickly and with minimal disruption to businesses and customers, and that he will look to establish more co-working hubs in council facilities around the city, enabling Aucklanders to live and work closer to home and other amenities.
