For Auckland is a new Spinoff podcast of civic conversations with people working to create and sustain a better Auckland for all. In episode seven, host Timothy Giles speaks to Penny Hulse, the deputy mayor of Auckland, about her time in council, why she's stepping down and her hopes for the future.

There’s never been an Auckland Council without Penny Hulse. The deputy mayor has been working in local government for 27 years. She's worn the deputy mayor hat at both the Waitakere District Council and currently at the Auckland Council. She'll be stepping aside at the election later this year, and in this interview speaks openly about her time in government, struggles and triumphs.

At the heart of Hulse's message is a call for change in what the council looks like. She wants more women, more young people and a greater diversity of ethnicity and culture to be represented. She's unapologetic in her view that male, stale and pale councillors can no longer claim to truly represent the diversity of Auckland City.

With this perspective comes a fair share of criticism. Spend a few minutes on social media and you'll find plenty of critics and trolls directing their anger at Hulse. She admits sometimes the comments hurt, but her two decades in local body politics has been enriching and rewarding far beyond the reach of haters. 

As Deputy Mayor, Penny Hulse has led some tough conversations across the city. She reflects on the resilience she's grown and how it's helped her be the best politician she can be for Auckland. For information regarding your data privacy, visit acast.com/privacy