Media release
13 November 2014

Auckland Plan report shows good progress

Auckland is delivering on key Auckland Plan targets including a reduction in water consumption, an increase in access to sports fields and growth in the city’s GDP.

The Auckland Development Committee today (Thursday) received the third annual Auckland Plan progress update which tracks the progress of the plan’s actions and achievements over the past year.

Although the implementation of the plan has just begun, areas that still need improvement to reach set targets include levels of alcohol or drug impaired driving, low home ownership levels and lower than average export growth.

Auckland Development Committee Chair Deputy Mayor Penny Hulse says the report is encouraging, however as expected some areas need improvement.

“This report shows many positive developments and progress we should be proud of as a region,” she says.

“We have launched the new electric train services, completed the roll-out of the AT HOP card system, and we heard last month how Aucklanders are now making 12 million train journeys each year, overtaking Wellington for the first time.

“The report notes that since the opening of the Panmure Station in January there has been a 57 per cent increase in passenger numbers with an average of 1,116 passengers a day compared to 100 in 2002.

“More children are enrolled in early childhood education and there is an increase in people gaining post-secondary qualifications which is really important as we strive to become the world’s most liveable city.”

The report says the council can look to events like the NRL Nines, which delivered $9.35 million in GDP to Auckland, to highlight the economic strength of the city and help boost visitor numbers.

“However it is not acceptable for us to still have so many people driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, or that the levels of homelessness are still high in Auckland,” says Ms Hulse.

“These challenges cannot be solved by council alone so we must continue to work with all Aucklanders and our key partners as envisaged by the Auckland Plan.

“The key is that we are aware of these challenges, and can adjust where we need to and improve our efforts in the right areas.”

Ends

Notes to editors:
The Auckland Plan measures progress against seven outcomes:
1. A Fair, Safe and Healthy Auckland
2. A Green Auckland
3. An Auckland of Prosperity and Opportunity
4. A Well Connected and Accessible Auckland
5. A Beautiful Auckland That is Loved by its People
6. A Culturally Rich and Creative Auckland
7. A Maori Identity That Is Auckland’s Point of Difference in the World.

Copies of the Annual Implementation Update are available on request, and will be on the website soon.

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