With the election for the new Auckland Council just around the corner, you can look forward to receiving your voting papers in the post this month.

Residents will be given the chance to select their preferred Auckland Mayor, Manurewa-Papakura ward councillors and representatives for our local Papakura, Manurewa and Franklin boards.

I'm excited about choosing who will make key decisions about Auckland's future and trust the elected representatives will keep our local interests at heart.

It's important we select leaders who will work closely with the National-led Government to achieve the best possible outcomes for all Aucklanders.

I am confident that mayoral candidate John Banks will inspire a council that is committed to delivering an Auckland with strong regional governance - supported by greater community engagement and shared decision making.

It's refreshing to see so many excellent Papakura candidates running for local ward and board positions.

In particular I acknowledge Papakura Mayor Calum Penrose who is the only Papakura resident standing for a councillor position for the Manurewa-Papakura ward.

Another experienced candidate running for one of the two councillor positions is former Manukau Mayor Sir Barry Curtis.

I've been involved in community projects with a range of local board candidates too. I've worked closely with Calum's PapakuraFirst team and Manurewa Action candidates Daniel Newman and Angela Dalton. I've also worked well with Peter O'Brien and the Citizens & Ratepayers team and Mark O'Connor and the Team Papakura nominees.

I know all these candidates will use their expertise to make sensible decisions on local issues, activities and facilities while putting the community's interests first. And no matter who is elected onto our local boards, I am confident that our communities will have a strong local voice on Auckland's new council.

This election is particularly special for my husband David Wong-Tung. David's really excited about standing for the Counties-Manukau District Health Board and I wish him well in his foray into local politics.

Don't miss the opportunity to choose who you would like to help shape Auckland's future. I encourage you all to post your vote for your preferred candidates before 7 October.