5 January 2005

Growth partnership extended

Representatives from Environment Waikato and Northland Regional Council are to join the Auckland Regional Growth Forum, signalling that the region’s growth issues spread beyond geographic boundaries.

Regional Growth Forum chairman Michael Lee extended the invitation to both regional councils following the last Forum meeting in early December. Both councils have accepted and will join the Regional Forum from late January.

Cr Lee says that inviting representatives from neighbouring regional authorities acknowledges that the growth and development problems the Auckland region is facing has implications for all northern New Zealand.

“If the Regional Growth Strategy is really going to deliver results then we not only need to be working together within the region but we also need to be working with our neighbours, and with Government.

“The issues the region is facing in terms of population growth, urban sprawl and transport problems have implications for all of New Zealand, not just the Auckland region.”

Elected representatives from Northland Regional Council and Environment Waikato will join the Forum as observers from the next meeting, scheduled for 26 January 2005. Representatives will not have voting rights, but will be able to participate in discussion, and present and receive reports.

Cr Lee says that any future changes to the Regional Growth Strategy could link into similar strategies developed by other regions to further recognise that growth is not confined to specific council boundaries.

ENDS

© Scoop Media