MEDIA RELEASE

November 4, 2009

Not developing Queen’s Wharf would be a disaster for Auckland, says Waitakere Mayor Bob Harvey.

“Lack of vision is sending Queen’s Wharf into a black hole.

“This World Cup is the greatest ad for this country of all time. The eyes of the world will be on our waterfront. We need to show them something better than a couple of rusting old sheds.

“It’s going to take guts to get something iconic developed for 2011.”

Prime Minister John Key said he wants Queen’s Wharf to be “party central” for the 2011 Rugby World Cup on June 15.

He directly challenged Auckland leaders to “move swiftly to begin the infrastructure programme that will transform this now publicly-owned space into a world-class waterfront attraction”.

Auckland City Council has committed $57 million to strengthening the site.

Auckland Regional Council and Government have each spent $20 million buying the wharf.

But unease from the two councils is putting the project in jeopardy.

Doing next to nothing is simply not an option, says Mayor Harvey

“Auckland has been charged with delivering a world class space. Not doing so would represent a major leadership failure.

“Our waterfront has long been wasted by political hand wringing and tight fisted accountancy. This is a chance to right those wrongs.

“The redevelopment of Queen’s Wharf will give the waterfront an identity.

“Yes, we need to get it right. We need a great legacy design. But doing nothing is simply not an option.”

Mayor Harvey is a member of the 2011 Group advising Government on the 2011 Rugby World Cup.

Other group members include Sir David Gascoigne, Leon Grice and Christchurch Mayor Bob Parker.

ENDS

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