In 2009 I stood as a independent for the Entrust (then AECT) election for the 5 elected trustees. Through Entrust, the people of Auckland own 75.1% of Vector. I figured as a former Vector lawyer I had a fair shot. Little did I know that the election is a complete rort.
I laugh now at how naïve I was on the campaign trail. I had no idea I was doomed to fail. I did have fun though taking my bike all over Auckland and it put me on the path to my current role on Council (but that is another story).
It is not a “normal” election. The Nat party aligned C&R trustees are able to distort the election process to maintain a tight grip on Entrust. I wrote about my experience after my election defeat.
The C&R stranglehold on Entrust has been maintained through a handy election dividend “bribe” just before voting, a refusal to promote the election and low voter turnout (for example in the 2018 election the Election Officer was banned from promoting the Entrust election).
The current C&R trustees pocket between $55k – $165k in their roles. There’s infighting, climate change denialism, sexism, and pork barrel politics (more here on why it is important to care about Auckland’s most “boring” election).
Voting papers were mailed out from 14 October to the person whose name is on the electricity bill (whether you are renting or house owners) within the Entrust District. The More for you, Better for Climate team has been endorsed by NZ Greens and City Vision . As City Vision’s Chair Robert Gallagher says “It’s definitely time for a change, for C&R’s control of Entrust to be broken, and for the real opportunities available for Entrust and Vector to be put in place.”
My household’s voting papers arrived on Friday (addressed to my partner because his name is on the power bill). I’m super excited to be voting for theMore for You, Better for Climate team of Emma McInnes, Rohan MacMahon, Lance Wiggs, Dewy Sacayan and Leon Wijohn.
I’m voting 5 ticks More for You, Better for Climate. I’m voting for:
- climate action
- a fresh approach
- professional governance
- powering up Vector
And because it is time to spark a revolution in Auckland.
Voting papers need to be put in a post box no later than Tuesday 26 October to arrive on time.