Two well-known local board members are considering a run for the Albany Ward councillor seats.

Gary Brown and Victoria Short—both long-serving members of the Hibiscus and Bays Local Board—say they’re exploring a joint campaign in response to growing community concern.

“We have been inundated by members of our beloved community encouraging and requesting us to put our hands up and run for councillor,” they said.

“We feel this may be because many people are unhappy and dissatisfied with the current situation and that they are not being heard or listened to.”

Mr Brown, a long-time Hibiscus Coast resident and current Deputy Chair of the Local Board, has served in local government for six years.

“Having lived here for decades and served within Auckland Council for the last 6 years, I’ve witnessed both the opportunities that have been missed and the challenges facing North Auckland. I strongly believe it’s time to advocate for a fairer share of resources for our community.”

Ms Short, a fellow board member and the first person of Kiribati descent elected to office in New Zealand, echoed the sentiment.

“We in the Albany Ward aren’t getting our fair share and our elected representation at the Governing Body has been sorely lacking, and unfortunately this has meant that the Albany Ward always appears to come last.”

Both say they’re tired of political grandstanding.

“We are sick and tired of the ‘populist politics’ and want Auckland Council to knuckle down, make the hard decisions and get back to basics,” said Mr Brown.

“Albany Ward deserves so much better,” added Ms Short.

“There is a strong feeling in the community that they are being treated as second-class citizens within Auckland Council. This change must happen, it is apparent our community is getting left behind while subsiding the rest of Auckland.”

They’re confident in their partnership.

“We have worked together for 6 years, and in that time, we have achieved a great deal. However, to make a more meaningful impact for our community we might need to fight at the higher level.”

The pair plan to finalise their decision next month, after taking time to consult with locals and develop a clear local priorities plan.

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