Media release
19 November 2001

New strategy for Manukau's future being launched this week

A book that will have a major impact on the future of Manukau City is to be launched on Thursday 22 November at 4pm. It is a ten-year vision and strategy for the city called Tomorrow's Manukau.

It is a historic "first" for New Zealand as never before has such a detailed strategy been drawn up to guide the long-term development of a major city in this country. It has an immediate focus as it is being published at a time when the Auckland region's rapid growth, and the problems stemming from it, are under intense debate. Major agencies and sector groups across both private and public sectors in Manukau have participated, and the planning was co-ordinated by Manukau City Council.

Tomorrow's Manukau is a guideline for future development and sets firm targets for the city to achieve over the next decade and beyond. Meeting those targets will strongly improve the quality of life in the city as well as change its look and feel. The book will be a glimpse of the future in 2010.

There has also been extensive public input into Tomorrow's Manukau which is the result of more than a year of community consultation. The result is a clear picture of the community's priorities and the changes people want to see.

The key goals that emerged were: an educated and knowledgeable people (the single most important goal), vibrant and strong communities, a place that's easy to get around, healthy and economically secure people, and a sustainable Manukau.

Manukau mayor Sir Barry Curtis says Manukau is already the third largest city in the country and at its current rate of growth it is expected to become the second biggest in the near future. "Manukau is changing fast and we need to adapt to those changes. As a city we want to keep growing but that development needs to be balanced by intelligent management of our environment.

"Sustainable development must be our aim. The city needs a map to guide its expansion and Tomorrow's Manukau provides that. I must say it's tremendous to have such strong commitment from everyone involved, both at the community level and among the major players. Tomorrow's Manukau will help us reach our vision of a progressive, proud and prosperous city."

ENDS

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