Team Franklin announces candidate line-up

Team Franklin has confirmed its group of candidates to stand in the upcoming Auckland Council elections this October.

With four positions to fill due to the retirement of several current Franklin Local Board members, a call for nominations attracted 17 applicants, each interviewed by an experienced selection panel.

In the Wairoa subdivision, current board members Malcolm Bell and Amanda Hopkins will be joined by Beachlands resident Alix Bonnington.

Pukekohe residents will see local business owner Merritt Watson and community advocate Lesieli Moala-Oliver contesting the election alongside sitting members Alan Cole and Andrew Kay.

In the Waiuku subdivision, local business owner and Kariaotahi resident Hunter Hawker will stand as Team Franklin’s candidate.

While not officially part of Team Franklin, current independent local board member Gary
Holmes will again stand as an independent and will be campaigning in mutual endorsement with Team Franklin and candidate Hunter Hawker.

Long-time community advocate and former Franklin Local Board chairman Andy Baker is
seeking re-election as councillor under the Team Franklin banner.