I'm Richard Hills, and I'm seeking re-election to Auckland Council to continue representing the North Shore Ward. I would be honoured to have your support and vote.
I've lived in the North Shore my whole life and think our community is pretty awesome, especially the people. I'm of Ngāpuhi and pākehā decent, and I come from a hard-working local family with deep roots in our community.
My husband and I have a young son Theo, and seeing him explore the world has given me an even stronger drive to ensure the North Shore remains a place where families can thrive.
Being your local councillor is a tremendous privilege, and I know we're making real progress together. While some have asked if I'll run for Mayor, I'm focussed on the work that matters most - being your advocate on council, and delivering results for our community.
Over the past term, I've worked tirelessly to secure wins for our area. During the Auckland Anniversary floods, I ensured North Shore communities received critical information and support throughout the emergency and recovery. I fought relentlessly for flood resilience funding, infrastructure improvements, and helped secure resources for the buyout programme and asset repairs.
When severe cuts threatened community services, environment programmes, sports, culture, and public transport, I pushed back hard. Through constructive collaboration with the Mayor and fellow councillors, we found compromises that protected what matters to our communities.
As chair of two major committees, I've led Te Tāruke ā Tāwhiri: Auckland's Climate Plan, which received unanimous support from committee members, Auckland’s Water Strategy and am working on a plan to reduce or restrict building in hazard zones such as flood plains.
I've championed real climate action by driving public transport investments, advocating for greener infrastructure like daylighted streams and energy-efficient buildings, and supporting our EV bus fleet expansion. I've worked alongside government to get legislative changes that reduce building in flood and hazard zones and ensure housing goes where the infrastructure is already in place.
As your councillor, I have followed up on over thousands individual requests from residents every year, always prioritising your voice in council decisions. Whether it's big policy or local issues, I make sure your concerns reach the council table while keeping you informed about both the good news and the challenging decisions.
I will continue to secure investment in new infrastructure while upgrading what we've got. I'm committed to leading the fight against climate change through better public transport and safer streets for our kids. I'll ensure people have housing options close to transport with improved water infrastructure.
Supporting our local communities remains a priority, with ongoing funding and support for the arts, youth programmes, sports and recreation opportunities, and our libraries. I've been an advocate for more investment in local youth and secured a youth centre in Glenfield.
I'm dedicated to protecting our natural environment for future generations by partnering with others to ensure budgets are allocated to improve our parks, reserves and waterways.
I want my son and other children growing up today to have the same, if not better opportunities than I had growing up on the Shore.