• Wayne Brown seeks a second term as Auckland Mayor, emphasising his achievements and plans for CCOs.
• Brown’s tenure includes tackling a $325 million budget hole and aiming to “Fix Auckland”.
• Potential challengers include Deputy Mayor Desley Simpson and Whau Councillor Kerrin Leoni.

Mayor Wayne Brown has announced he is seeking a second term as mayor - asking Aucklanders to “back me to finish the job”.

“I have delivered on most of the policies I set out to achieve, which ensure real results for our city. I’ve made tough calls, tackled the big issues, and done the job well,” Brown announced today in a statement, ahead of a speech at the Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron at 4pm.

“But there’s more to do, and I have the experience to get it done. That’s why I will be standing for re-election as Mayor of Auckland.”

The mayor said he did not stand for any political party, and his focus remains on the work at hand “fixing Auckland”, not running an election campaign.

“My priority is to ensure that ratepayers get a fair deal and that every dollar spent by Auckland Council delivers real value to our communities.

Wayne Brown (right) beat the late Efeso Collins by more than 50,000 votes in 2022. Photo / Alex Burton

“I have driven a culture change within Auckland Council, bringing a sharper focus on efficiency, accountability, and getting things done. This is a shift I want to cement in place, so Auckland continues to thrive.”

Brown’s first term has been unconventional after two terms each by Labour-endorsed mayors Len Brown and Phil Goff. His tenure has been marked by blunt talk, abrasive outbursts and a governing style that has divided opinion.

After sweeping to power in 2022 with a 50,000-plus majority over the Labour-endorsed candidate Efeso Collins, the engineer and former Far North District Council Mayor came under fire for his sluggish response to the Anniversary Weekend floods in 2023.

Since then, the 78-year-old has focused on his promise to “Fix Auckland” by tackling a $325 million budget hole, setting up the Auckland Future Fund to improve non-rates revenue and beginning the process of taking control back of the council-controlled organisations (CCOs), in particular, Auckland Transport.

Phil Goff (left) and Len Brown each served two terms as Auckland Mayor. Photos / Mark Mitchell and Jason Oxenham

Brown today said he will have more to say about his goals and ambitions for a second term as the year unfolds.

“For now, my commitment remains the same – delivering for Aucklanders,” he said.

“This city has a brilliant future, and it’s a job I want to keep doing. Let’s finish the job together.”

The mayor potentially faces a challenge from his deputy, Desley Simpson, after the Auckland Ratepayers’ Alliance revealed on January 30 that the domain “Desleyformayor.co.nz” was registered by her son this year.

 
Auckland Deputy Mayor Desley Simpson has expressed an interest in standing for mayor. Photo / Jason Oxenham

Simpson, the councillor for Ōrākei, told the Herald on her return from an overseas holiday the domain was “a bit of a laugh”, but did not rule out standing.

She confirmed she had been thinking about running for mayor, but it was “a bit soon” for a decision.

A few days later, the pair had a “catch-up” but said little about what was discussed.

“We are focused on fixing Auckland,” the mayor said following the meeting.

Whau councillor Kerrin Leoni, a Labour Party member, has announced she wants to be the first Māori Mayor of Tāmaki Makaurau.