Alex Swney says the 80% of Aucklanders who haven't voted yet have a bigger than usual chance to shape Auckland for the next 20 years

Because voter turnout in the Auckland City election is so low, new and young voters have a unique opportunity in the next two days to influence the shape of Auckland in the next two decades. That's the view of Mayoral candidate Alex Swney.

"Yesterday, just 20.3% of Auckland City voters had voted. If ever there was an opportunity fornew voters and young people, who might not normally vote, to influence the shape of Auckland in the next decades, it's this election," he says. "Because of the low turnout, new voters will have a bigger than usual influence."

Swney says the District Plan for Auckland's waterfront will be decided in the next three years, and that will determine how the public interface with the waterfront will work in the next 20 years.

"There are two extremes: do we want a commercially-driven waterfront with shops, offices and apartments lining the water's edge for the benefit of just a few? Or do we want generous green public spaces filled with vibrant energy, art and culture juxtaposed with business, finally giving Aucklanders the chance to dip their toes into the water and enjoy their stunning city?" asks Swney

"Young voters have a unique opportunity. They need to understand that their vote will not decide the shape of Auckland on Monday. Their vote will decide the shape of Auckland in 20 years," says Swney. "My message to them is grab that envelope and vote."

Swney wants a master plan for the waterfront that will see non-operational Ports land enjoyed by all Aucklanders within ten years.

"I support: a generous park on the Tank Farm headland an end to the wharf-at-a-time, piecemeal development of our waterfront public access to Queens, Captain Cook and Marsden wharves within 10 years a cohesive waterfront master plan," he says. (Voters need to be posting their envelopes early this week to make sure they arrive on time.)

ENDS

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