Desley Simpson

Desley is an Auckland Councillor representing the Orakei Ward. Prior to that she was Orakei's Local Board chair, a role she held unopposed for 6 years since the formation of the super city in 2010.

Before Auckland Council, Desley chaired the Hobson Community Board for Auckland City Council under the John Banks mayoralty .

She comes from a long political lineage with her great great uncle Sir Henry Brett being the 6th Mayor of Auckland in 1878 and grandfather Sir James Donald becoming member of the Harbour Board in 1935, Deputy Chairman in 1938 and then Chairman well into the 1940's.

As chair of the Orakei Local Board for 6 years, Desley’s portfolios included overall Board strategy, finance, rates and governance, the Unitary Plan, walkways and Community development initiatives. During that time her achievements included leading the construction of the Orakei Basin and the Hobson Bay walkways.