By Times Team

Copyright times

Mellons Bay resident William Goldberg is standing as an ACT Local candidate for the Howick Local Board in its Howick subdivision at this year’s local elections.

Goldberg has lived in the area for many years with his partner and children, who attend Bucklands Beach Intermediate School and Macleans College.

A business owner and IT professional, he is also chief growth officer at Octovox, helping New Zealand companies harness the power of AI to cut costs and boost productivity, an approach he hopes to bring to the Howick Local Board by finding smarter, more efficient ways to deliver services for ratepayers.

Goldberg says his decision to run came from frustration at rising rates, wasteful spending, and a lack of focus on essentials.

“When Auckland Council’s rates survey came out, it felt like we had no real choice, just which rate increase we wanted to accept,” he says.

“There was no plan to cut red tape or eliminate waste.”

While local boards can’t set rates, Goldberg says they can be a strong voice for residents.

He wants to use his AI and business background to push for smarter spending, better transport decisions, and local policies that are practical and transparent.

His priorities include advocating to cut wasteful spending, pressing Auckland Transport to review bus-only corridors, opposing race-based decision-making in local politics, and working with police and community groups on technology-driven crime prevention.

“I want to make sure Howick’s voice is heard loud and clear, and that we get real results for the money we put in,” Goldberg says.

william.goldberg@act.org.nz