Scoop  Regional

July 2016
Every Council decision must seek to make Auckland better

Punitive charges placed on people wanting to visit their city centre exemplify Auckland Council's loss of focus, says Auckland mayoral candidate John Palino.

Palino says: "Why does the Council continue to use penalties and punishment to try to get what it wants and then resorts to turning up the dial when it's not working?

"If we want a more livable city, shouldn't we be using less of the stick and more of the carrot?

"Parking prices of up to $63 in the central city do not make Auckland more livable.

"If the Council wants people to stop visiting the city, it should just say so.

"If it wants people to visit but not to drive, then it should make alternatives better rather than raising the costs living for those residents who just want to visit their CBD.

"Park and ride facilities at rail and busway stations are what the council should be focusing on, not beating residents into submission.

"Residents and customers must be at the centre of Council policy, not bureaucratic objectives.” said Palino.

ends

© Scoop Media

 

Parliament Headlines | Politics Headlines | Regional Headlines

Gordon Campbell: On Why Big Spenders Are Not Our Tourism Salvation

Covid and climate change have been changing the face of tourism. That’s why it seemed oddly premature last week for Tourism Minister Stuart to announce that New Zealand isn’t interested in mass tourism any more, or in attracting the sort of budget visitors who “travel around our country on $10 a day eating two-minute noodles.” Instead, New Zealand aims to focus its marketing efforts on attracting wealthy, big spending tourists. “In terms of targeting our marketing spin,” Nash said, “it is unashamedly going to be at … High-quality tourists.” Really? The comments have raised a few eyebrows overseas, and a few hackles here at home. Nash’s comments have also been something of a gift to an Opposition adept at portraying the Ardern government as a bunch of liberal elitists out of touch with ordinary people...
More>>