Join your host, Natalie Donze, to meet local board candidates standing for election and to talk politics over a drink.

Candidates:
Jessica Rose (Whau)
Yeshe Dawa (Albert-Eden, Maungawhau)
Alex Bonham (Waitemata)
Victoria Tupou (Albert-Eden, Owairaka)

Why are we gathering for change?

Auckland's local government elections are coming up in October 2019. This election decides our mayor, councillors and local board members for the next 3 years. In the last elections, over 60% of us did NOT vote.

Why is this important? What does the Mayor, Councillors and Local Board Members do?
These are the people responsible for making decisions for shaping Auckland as a city for the future. The Mayor shapes Auckland Council's annual plans, leads the governing body of Councillors on decisions ranging from environmental issues, infrastructure to public transport. The Councillors collectively represent each area of Auckland and hold key stakeholders to account including council-owned entities like Auckland Transport. The Local Board is involved with local decisions and lobbies the Councillors on issues relevant to the local community - they can even rename roads!

This is all to say - local government has a much bigger impact on our daily lives, yet 60% of us have not chosen our representatives. Let's talk about what we want out of our cities and communities and who can make that happen.

What is the format for #gather4change?
- Brief introduction to Auckland Council and elections by the host
- Presentation by 4 candidates standing in the election.
- Discussion in groups on how to vote and how to put in a special vote if you have not yet enrolled. What makes a good elected representative & what are the expectations of the community for them to be held accountable? How to have your voice and issues heard by local government.
-Pledge to vote and pledge to encourage 3 friends to vote