Anti-MMP campaigner and former NBR news editor and editor at large Graeme Hunt wants a seat on the new Auckland council to keep it honest and deliver ratepayer benefits.He wants to limit rate increases to no more than the rate of inflation, cap councillor
Anti-MMP campaigner and former NBR news editor and editor at large Graeme Hunt wants a seat on the new Auckland council to keep it honest and deliver ratepayer benefits.
He wants to limit rate increases to no more than the rate of inflation, cap councillor’s travel and overseas junkets and strip away unnecessary bureaucracy.
Mr Hunt (57), a self-employed author, historian and former NBR Rich List editor, who now lives in Greenhithe, is contesting the Albany ward as part of the Independent North Now ticket.
A former west Aucklander, Mr Hunt said it was important the North Shore’s way of life and “special character” was not subsumed in a giant, one-size-fits-all bureaucracy.
He said he supported the idea of a single council but remained skeptical about whether it will deliver value for money.
There was a danger that unless outstanding leadership and good governance were in place, and a culture of service and efficiency existed, the new council would be disappointing, he said.
“We need businesslike councillors who are careful about spending other people’s money and committed to best practice in local government.”
