Christine Fletcher

Why I wish to be elected?

I bring strong experience of government, having served as a MP, Minister Local Government, Mayor Auckland City and Councillor. Coming from the private sector and working in manufacturing I know how to get things done. I’m proud to have led transformative projects like Britomart and the opening-up of Auckland’s waterfront. This term, I have overseen the establishment of the Auckland Future Fund, helping secure long-term financial resilience for our city.  I’m deeply concerned that Council has not pushed hard enough in negotiations with Central Government—especially around unrealistic growth targets for planning changes. I believe the continuing rising costs of running Council is placing an unsustainable burden on ratepayers. I’m passionate about Auckland’s parks, harbours, heritage, and inclusive communities. I do my best to serve Auckland with commonsense not ideology.

My Skill and and qualities?

I being unique experience understanding Wellington and Auckland’s machinery of government from my experience of working in both. This enables me to effectively advocate for Auckland’s interests with central government. My track record demonstrates principled independence – I resigned as a Minister in 1997 over Auckland asset sales, putting our city first. I provide robust financial oversight and shown I can navigate complex governance to deliver tangible results for our city. 

My top three issues

Building resilient infrastructure: the 2023 floods revealed decades of underinvestment. We cannot continue consenting houses in flood prone areas with first building proper stormwater, wastewater, drainage and transport.  Expert-led planning and comprehensive infrastructure must come before development.

Restoring fiscal discipline: Auckland families face a cost-of-living crisis. Every ratepayer dollar must be spent wisely. The Auckland Future Fund I championed is helping to create sustainable revenue to reduce long-term reliance on rates while funding essential services

Protecting Auckland’s Unique Identity: Our Volcanic cones, harbours and neighbourhood character are precious taonga. Growth must respect what makes Auckland unique while accommodating future generation sustainably. 

Transport

I support an multi modal, integrated, regional transport plan, that is funded, sequenced and capable of early implementation in partnership with Central Government. I delivered Britomart as Mayor and remain committed to the delivery of the CRL.  

Water

Water infrastructure has to be Auckland’s most important priority. I champion rapid implementation of the “Making Space for Water” programme and comprehensive planning for long term investment. The Central City Interceptor  must be completed. Water assets built and paid for by Aucklanders must remain in local ownership with direct accountability. We need multi billion investment in storm water upgrades, especially for our flood affected areas. 

Built Environment

I support “density done well” – growth with infrastructure, not unplanned intensification. Development should concentrate along transport corridors where services exist. I believe in balanced planning that respects community input while accommodating growth. Our built heritage needs protection including local landmarks. Our planning should ensure quality development that complements neighbourhoods while providing housing for future generations. 

Natural Environment

My long-standing work as a founding trustee of the Motutapu Restoration Trust along with other community organisations is solid evidence of my personal commitment to the environment  and community led conservation efforts in partnership with DOC, Auckland Council and Iwi. Our Maunga, volcanic cones, required dedicated protection. The Hauraki Gulf and Manukau Harbour need strong advocacy. I am passionate about Auckland’s Regional Parks network and the commitment to open space. As a keen gardener Aucklanders need access to more community gardens. A healthy environment underpins our identity. 

Community

Strong communities need empowered local decision making. I support fairer funding for Local Boards to correct historic imbalances. Our ward’s diversity  39.4% Asian, 11.1% Pasifika – is our strength. I proudly support events like World of Cultures festival celebrating our multicultural identity. Our citizens need to feel safe. We must prioritise neighbourhood safety and emergency preparedness.  

Economic and Cultural Development

Local business associations and town centres are crucial employment and community hubs needing support and reduced red tape. Auckland’s productivity required strategic infrastructure investment – transport (including parking) digital connectivity, energy to attract high value investment and businesses. Heritage and the arts are prime economic assets. Supporting events like Pasifika and Diwali directly invests in our city brand and visitor economy. 

Well managed Local Government and outcomes for Maori

I oversaw the establishment of the Auckland Future Fund which will assist in growing wealth for Auckland and increasingly and sustainably offset rate increases. A small island trading nation like New Zealand must have successful port in its largest city, therefore Ports of Auckland must remain economically viable while returning waterfront land progressively to Aucklanders for public use. I supported the Royal Commission’s model for Maori Representation. I actively support practical outcomes for Maori with appointments to CCO boards and investing in the Maori Outcomes Fund and Marae Infrastructure programme delivering tangible benefits to Maori communities across Tamaki Makaurau.