Every day I see the potential for Auckland to be a world class city but right now the Council is holding us back. It’s not accountable, it gets in the way of business and common sense, it doesn’t listen and its spending is out of control.
If Phil Goff is the next Mayor we will be worse off.
This was confirmed on Monday when he released his “fiscal” policy. Highlights include:
putting up exactly the same rates rise policy Len Brown had three years ago. We all know how that ended
asking Aucklanders to pay even more to tackle congestion through adding a regional fuel tax, a congestion charge and a toll and in so doing, relying on Government to pass legislation to make it possible. If not, he’ll have to borrow more money or he’ll hike rates higher that he’s said
admitting he hasn’t looked at the numbers himself and is instead relying heavily on the advice of his 'people'.
That doesn’t sound like a man with a plan or a clue, rather much of the same. He may be masquerading as a centre-right politician, along with his blue signs, but we know better.
Phil’s record
His tax-and-spend record as a Labour Minister speaks for itself. After all, this is the same “Whack-It-On-The-Bill” Phil who:
As Labour leader opposed every single spending cut
Along with Labour, increased government expenditure by 50% in five years
Along with Labour, put forward nine budgets that saw interest rates double & zero-wage growth
Along with Labour, sent the economy into recession and left New Zealand with a decade of deficits.
Auckland deserves better than a 30-year career-politician looking for a retirement job. It isn’t even his first choice of job!
In stark contrast, I have a strong career of delivering results in the real world.
I’ve been accountable for for big organisational culture changes and for delivering major infrastructure projects, on time and on budget. I resigned as Managing Director of Xero to shake Council up. I’ve done the numbers myself and I know there is much more fat to cut. You can see my plan here.
With this in mind, I’ve challenged Phil Goff to a public debate on his numbers, which he is yet to accept.
Regardless, I’m working hard to ensure Auckland voters know me and believe I am the fiscally-responsible leader they need to take Auckland to the next level.
The Independent Hearings Panel had a huge job balancing a wide range of complex planning requirements across Auckland. We have to remember the Unitary Plan is a 30 year plan. For context, think about all the change we’ve seen over the last 30 years - a lot!
I’ve been making my way through the reports and so far have a few thoughts in general. I welcome the extension of the Rural Urban Boundary which will allow a lot more homes to be built - though it begs the question of whether it should just be removed altogether. The balance between building up and out on the face of it looks good with 40 per cent on greenfield land.
I'd like to have seen a much closer correlation between intensification and public transport. There are areas we're intensifying that are removed from good public transport options. We'll have to make sure we fill those gaps.
Another substantial recommendation is the removal of cultural impact assessments, design statements and integrated transport assessment as a standard requirement of resource consent applications. Council is going to now have to use carrots rather than sticks to encourage good neighborhood design and transport integration. It's absolutely possible but you need the right culture and leadership from the top.
The fact remains this is a massive plan with 80 topic reports, each with extensive implications. We have to address each with sufficient attention. Take for example the removal of the minimum number of parking spaces for commercial and residential builds both in and around the central city. That’s something we will have to think seriously about.
There’s been a lot of concern over the lack of consultation and Council’s out of scope submission points which seem to have snuck in there anyhow. Council must learn it’s lesson and from here on make sure they take communities along on the journey, not shut them out.
Our Councillors definitely have a lot of work to do and a big decision ahead.
