Auckland at a crossroads as its most critical election nears

Auckland is heading into its most crucial local body election since amalgamation in 2010, Stuff reports, with uncertainty over the future of the path it laid, and risks to key policies such as climate change action. The mayoralty is open with the retirement of Labour veteran Phil Goff, financial pressure is slowing Auckland Council’s ability to build and invest, and public appetite for progressive policy is unclear. There are several layers to the pendulum swing that could occur, the most obvious being potentially the closest mayoral race since left-leaning Len Brown beat centre-right John Banks in the inaugural contest.