Howick Local Board member Bob Wichman is not seeking re-election to the board at this year’s Auckland Council elections after three terms in the role.
The east Auckland resident has had a long association with local government.
His nine years of service on the board are on top of having served on the former Manukau City Council until it ceased to exist with the establishment of the super-city council in 2010.
At the time Wichman was, with fellow elected representative, Anne Candy, the longest-serving councillor.
He stood unsuccessfully for Auckland Council in 2010 and returned to local government in 2013 when he was elected to the local board.
In 2016 the news media reported his re-election to the board was his eighth electoral success, one he added to three years later when he was returned to represent the Botany subdivision.
The council says Wichman’s “astonishing” length of service means he can boast of having served his community in various local government roles across two different centuries.
Board chairperson Adele White says he’s always been a strong voice for the community.
“You were never left in any doubt where Bob stood on an issue.
“He was unafraid to challenge the status quo or express a different option, especially if he thought it represented the views of his constituents.
“Bob regularly spoke out on matters that were of concern to him, often questioning council’s spending, and as a passionate advocate for road safety.
“Very few people decide to seek office, let alone give the kind of service he has.
“His absence will be felt.”
Wichman was outspoken on numerous important local issues.
He was among the board members who passionately opposed the controversial plan by Auckland Transport to have the Eastern Busway cut through Burswood, which will require a number of houses in the suburb to be purchased and demolished.
