Expressions of Interest for Auckland's leadership positions

Looking for a career change? Need more responsibilities and purpose? Be part of the team that leads Auckland towards becoming a world-class city.

Auckland Council is seeking expressions of interest from Aucklanders who are passionate about their city and would consider taking on a full-time or part-time position as part of the team that governs Tāmaki Makaurau. This is an exciting opportunity to play a significant role in the future growth and direction for Tāmaki Makaurau.

What would you do if Auckland elects you?

Now's the time to start considering the possibilities. In October 2025, a new set of representatives will be elected to lead our city of 1.7 million and make decisions for its future. We want to hear from talented individuals who are keen to take Auckland to the next level.

Tāmaki Makaurau's leadership is a big team, with a range of roles and responsibilities: from the mayor and ward councillors, who make regional decisions as members of the council's governing body, to local board members who represent 21 areas of Tāmaki Makaurau and make local decisions.

Key responsibilities:

1. Supporting a high-performing team in promoting a vision for Auckland
2. Providing leadership to achieve this vision
3. Contributing feedback to develop council plans, policies and budgets
4. Setting rates and bylaws
5. Governing the council and its organisations
6. Making decisions on local matters
7. Engaging with the local community
8. Proposing local bylaws and local targeted rates

You're a decision maker with excellent strategic-thinking abilities, good communication, and community engagement skills.

If elected, you'll be taking on a critical leadership role for our large, diverse, and growing region. You'll guide and make decisions on how best to allocate resources and drive value for money for ratepayers and Aucklanders alike.

Elected members will need to show a combination of skills in stewardship and advocacy on behalf of the people they represent.

We strongly encourage applications from committed individuals with diverse backgrounds who'll bring a varied skillset to Auckland Council's Governing Body and local boards.

These positions are for a three-year term which require availability and willingness to commit to weekly meetings, special events, and more.

It's a truly rewarding opportunity to make a difference in our city, which will directly benefit you, your whānau, and community.

The role is paid and there are different levels of remuneration depending on the specific roles and responsibilities of elected members.

Local board members are part-time positions and salaries start from $31,000 to $67,000, with local board chairs being full-time, starting from $62,000 to $112,000. Ward councillors are expected to commit 40 hours or more and receive a base salary of $112,000. The mayor is paid just under $307,000.

Elected members' salaries are set by the independent Remuneration Authority, which vary according to the size of the area and their role and is reviewed triennially.

Important: the 'Apply Now' button does not apply for Elected Positions, please check voteauckland.co.nz to find out more about the application process. Nomination forms will be available from 4 July 2025 and must be received by midday 1 August, 2025.

Please note an employee of the Auckland Council who is elected as mayor or governing body member or local board member must resign from their position as an employee of the Auckland Council before taking up their position. An employee will need to alert their manager of the intention to stand for office prior to any nomination being lodged. [Section 105 Local Government (Auckland Council) Act 2009 and section 41 (5) Local Government Act 2002]
• while legislation does not require staff of CCOs to resign, they must be aware of any internal policies relating to this matter.