Rob McNeil
This city is in my bones
Rob loves Auckland - from humble Massey roots, Rob loves long walks on the beautiful waterfront, and in the parks and reserves around the city, from his home in the CBD. He is enrolled as a student at both University of Auckland (Politics) and at AUT (Te Reo Maori) and will advocate strongly for student issues. Rob believes that Aucklanders deserve much better from their politicians. Rob will donate 80% of his excessive $300,000+ Mayoral salary to worthy causes.
Rob McNeil
Auckland Mayor
A Chartered Accountant and animal advocate, Rob believes in empathic listening - building consensus where possible, and always advancing the path of social justice. Rob looks forward to applying both his business and communcation skills to the needs of Aucklanders for lean, efficient and compassionate government.
Rob McNeil
Not just another talking head
Rob is passionate about the environment and our fellow animals - seen here performing at an event, Rob loves playing guitar and singing (and working hard) for a better world. He's performed in Canada, the USA and New Zealand.
You can reach Rob at [email protected]
Meet Rob McNeil: Auckland Mayoral Candidate — Animal Justice Party
A Westie With Global Perspective
Rob McNeil was born in Waitakere Hospital in the 1960s and raised by a solo mum in Massey, digging for kauri gum on construction sites and attending Lincoln Heights Primary School and Massey High School. He studied at the University of Auckland, earning a business degree while cleaning offices in the CBD for $4 an hour—something that shaped his deep respect for workers and fairness.
In his 20's, Rob headed overseas, working as a corporate accountant in Canada and travelling to more than 40 countries. But Aotearoa always called him home. He returned in 2022 and co-founded the Animal Justice Party of Aotearoa New Zealand—because he knew it was time to step up for animals, for people, and for our planet.
Activism Runs in His Blood
Rob’s grandmother, Amy Slack, was a powerhouse in West Auckland. She co-founded New Zealand’s PTA (Parent Teacher Association), served as a magistrate, JP, and marriage celebrant, and received an OBE from the Queen for her services to education. Rob inherited her courage and commitment to change. He’s been an activist, a truth-teller, and a coalition-builder ever since.
Common Sense, Compassion, and Financial Smarts
Rob’s not a political insider. He’s an ordinary Aucklander who believes in honest conversations, practical solutions, and radical empathy. He combines sharp financial skills with a real understanding of how to build consensus and push for meaningful change—without leaving people behind.
Why the Animal Justice Party?
Because animals need a voice—and voters need an alternative.
Every year in Auckland, over 1,000 healthy dogs are killed simply because there aren’t enough cages. This isn’t the fault of frontline workers—it’s the result of political neglect. Rob is determined to end this cruelty and bring compassionate, cost-effective policies to the table.
The Animal Justice Party believes that how we treat animals reflects the kind of society we want to be. By extending compassion beyond just our own species, we make life better for everyone.
Why Run for Mayor?
When election outcomes seem predictable, that's exactly when your vote has massive power to create change. Instead of just choosing between the usual options, you can vote for the future you actually want to see.
A strong vote for Rob McNeil and the Animal Justice Party will send a powerful signal:
- Animal issues matter
- The environment matters
- Compassionate leadership is possible
This Is Bigger Than the Mayoralty
This campaign is about more than one man or one position. It’s about helping people discover that there’s a political party that shares their values—and is ready to fight for them.
If you’ve ever wished politicians had more empathy…
If you’ve ever wondered why no one in power talks about animals…
If you believe Auckland can be kind, green, and visionary…
Then this is your moment. Join the AJP. Donate. Follow and share our social media. Volunteer. Or sign up below for updates.
Vote Rob McNeil – Animal Justice Party
A Westie doing his best to make a real difference.
Vote for animals. Vote for values. Vote for the future.
Learn more about what AJP candidates stand for, other AJP candidates, and the policies that Rob is fighting for at: AJP in the 2025 Local Elections