15 March 2013

Auckland rulebook needs Auckland input

The draft unitary plan now needs input from Aucklanders so they can achieve the smart, green Auckland they want, the Green Party said today.

Today’s release of the draft Auckland unitary plan is one step in the process to develop strong planning rules that will deliver the vision set out in the Auckland Plan.

“What we need now is a robust, Auckland driven process to turn this draft into the unitary plan that will actually grow a smart, green Auckland,” Green Party Auckland spokesperson Denise Roche said today.

“There are components in the draft plan that will make development of public transport and affordable housing, and limiting urban sprawl more difficult, and these need to be fixed,” said Ms Roche.

“Auckland Council, not the National Government, should appoint the panel that will hear Aucklanders voices on this issue.

“The panel that will hear submissions from Aucklanders on the plan should not be packed with National Party buddies, as is currently the Government’s plan.

“Aucklanders know what we want for our city, and the National Government needs to let the city take this draft plan and iron out the creases ourselves.

“15,000 people made submissions on the Auckland Plan. Government Ministers need to keep out of the process for achieving that vision,” said Ms Roche.

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