Media release
Friday, April 29, 2011

Aucklanders know what’s best for Auckland

The Auckland Plan (Spatial Plan) is an exciting opportunity enabling Auckland to strategically plan its future; it allows us all to have say on the future of our city.
A long term (30year) broad-based document, it will give the big picture as to how different parts of the city will develop and enable integrated, consistent decisions to be made. It will give a clear vision for the future of the city and plan for how to get there.

To be completed by December 2011, it will be the base for the Unitary Plan which will replace the 7 separate District Plans currently in operation. The Unitary Plan will contain greater detail regarding zoning for different areas.

It is an opportunity to engage with central Government agencies, and key organisations and to identify projects for implementation to enable Auckland to develop into the future. Excerpt from Auckland Plan

But there is a catch, central government wants to decide the future of Auckland and the Spatial Plan provides an opportunity for them to do that.

The amount of control central government seems to want over the running of Auckland should be of concern to all Aucklanders. Local governance and investment is the proven model of growth and development through-out New Zealand. Central government does not have a hand in managing local services in our towns and cities including Wellington.

“I was concerned when I attended a local meeting on the proposed plan for Auckland that there was little local political representation. I guarantee that if I am elected for the Howick Ward that I will be a strong voice for the people of Howick on the proposed plan,” says Maggie.

The Spatial Plan will enable us to decide how and when our city will grow and develop, how and where land will be zoned for housing, commercial and industrial purposes, and where and what critical infrastructure will be required, NO more retrofitting, or the disruption caused by the necessary purchase of homes for roads and motorways as has happened along Te Rakau Drive for Ameti. The land will have already been set aside or earmarked for that purpose at the initial design stage. This in turn will affect the Long Term Plan (10year financial plan) and the Asset plans. It will guide services, projects and programmes run by Council, central government and the private sector within the Auckland region.

“For Auckland to succeed, it is necessary that we all pull together for the common cause of creating a truly great city,” says Maggie.
Ends

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