Auckland Councillor candidate Craig Lord is making it clear: he will fight hard to fix what he calls one of the most broken and costly parts of Auckland Council — the contractor and procurement system.

“We are bleeding money in maintenance and modifications,” says Lord. “And I’m not going to stand by and watch ratepayer dollars get wasted any longer. I will push for a complete overhaul of how we do business.”

Lord says Auckland Council’s financial woes can’t be solved with surface-level savings like cheaper phone plans — the real issue lies in the way contracts are awarded and managed.

“Day-to-day inefficiencies are costing us millions. The current system continues to allocate work to the big conglomerates - but I guarantee - if those signing the contracts were spending their own money, things would look very different.”

He says Council's preferred contractor model is long past its use-by date.

“Right now, a handful of large companies hold most of the maintenance contracts. That’s created two major problems: they’re making huge profits off the ratepayer, and the quality of work is steadily declining. I’m going to fight to break that cycle.”

Lord says the public is telling him loud and clear — they’re sick of shoddy work and neglected infrastructure.

“The feedback I get from Aucklanders is constant — things aren’t getting fixed properly or on time. Meanwhile, we keep throwing more money at the problem. It’s time for change.”

He plans to champion a system that supports local contractors and empowers small businesses to contribute to their communities.

“I will fight for a system that allows local contractors to work in their own neighbourhoods. But first, we need to help them meet health and safety requirements and give them a fair shot. That means cutting the red tape and streamlining the paperwork — and I’m ready to take that battle on.”

Lord says he will lead the charge to decentralise the procurement system and open the doors to those currently shut out.

“There are skilled people and capable companies throughout Auckland who want to help maintain their city, but bureaucracy keeps them out. I will push for new procedures that simplify access, support small businesses, and spread the work around fairly.”

He wants Council to publish clear, simple guidelines to help contractors reach — and exceed — the required standards.

“I will push for a Contractor WOF system that gets locals working locally. That’s how you grow the industry, boost quality, and save money at the same time. It’s common sense — and I’m ready to make it happen.”

Lord calls the current setup “fiscally irresponsible,” especially when contractors are sent across the region instead of hiring locally.

“It makes no sense to send crews from one end of Auckland to the other when local tradies are ready and willing. I will fight tooth and nail to change that. Auckland deserves a smarter, fairer, more efficient system — and I won’t stop until we have it.”

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