The rest of Auckland waits and gets charged under Goff
Auckland Mayoral Candidate, Vic Crone, says Phil Goff’s uncosted light-rail policy is another city-centric transport project, while the rest of Auckland waits desperately for investment.
She says Goff has taken his emphasis off rail to the airport, and like Len Brown, turned his focus and Auckland’s investment to the central city.
“Like it or lump it, we’ve already got a large investment focus in the city through the Central Rail Link project and we are still waiting for the final price tag,” says Vic Crone.
“In the meantime the rest of Auckland waits, even for basic footpaths and proper bus services. Now Phil Goff wants to add a whole new and expensive transport mode immediately for central areas.
“He’s gambling Aucklanders’ money on light rail with a business case full of holes, and in an area along Dominion Road without intensification plans to support it.
“The full cost for the central light rail project is actually $3.7bn and it doesn’t factor in affordability or how technology changes will affect what public transport looks like in the future.”*
In terms of funding, Crone says increased petrol and congestion charging should be out of the question when there isn’t a good public transport system in place and many have no option but to use their cars.
“Schemes introduced internationally have been against a backdrop of much lower car use and high public transport usage - as in London with 86 per cent using public transport to get into the city,” says Ms Crone.
“Auckland is nowhere near that point. Additionally, Treasury modelling shows those who are worst off with congestion charges would be the very people who have no other transport choice, incurring charges of over $2,200 per year (or just over 2 per cent of the average household income).
“I have a comprehensive plan for a world class integrated transport system with a diverse mix of funding that takes pressure off ratepayers and taxpayers.
"My plan includes bringing forward seven key projects right across Auckland, making it easier to use public transport, and taking advantage of innovation and technology to get cars off our road and our network working smoothly.
“Phil Goff needs to tell the rest of Auckland how long they will wait while he fusses about the city, and how much he will charge them while they wait.”
*Aurecon, Project: Auckland Central Access Plan Peer Review, April 2016. It states "Affordability has not been considered. The scale of this investment means that it is likely to be a consideration" and “affordability should be addressed as soon as possible.
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.
Auckland Mayoral Candidate Vic Crone has released her first Mayoral campaign video of the official Auckland Council 2016 election period.
This follows a particularly feisty TV33 debate exchange between Ms Crone and her competition Phil Goff earlier this week. Crone says Goff is getting nervous and there's definitely more where that came from.
"Aucklanders don't just want a new Mayor, they want one that can deliver a real shakeup in Council. People are now starting to question which candidate can actually deliver the change they are looking for," says Ms Crone.
"I'm here to provide that shakeup. I resigned my job last year as Managing Director of Xero to do this because I can see the capabilities desperately lacking in Auckland's leadership, and I know I can bring them to the table.
"Auckland has a choice for real leadership and action this election. I'll be showing them right up to October that what I promise, I can actually deliver."
Ms Crone has extensive experience leading multi-billion dollar high growth businesses, infrastructure projects, and culture change projects. She has also worked in partnership with government departments, regional councils, social enterprise and both the Labour and National parties.
Auckland Mayoral candidate Vic Crone says she’s shocked the momentous Unitary Plan decision has now been delegated to a Council sub-committee, not the Governing Body.
“This is one of the most important decisions our leadership will make for our future. It’s got huge implications over the next 30 years and we’ve seen the absolute passion from every side,” says Ms Crone.
“The ultimate debate and decision should be made by the Governing Body, all of which are elected and accountable to Aucklanders.
“Now our Mayor says it’s easier for him if Deputy Mayor Penny Hulse takes the lead under the development committee. Leadership is not ‘easy’, it takes courage and great judgement.
“It’s just not good enough for Len Brown to say he doesn’t want to do it. This is exactly what’s wrong with our leadership in Auckland - it’s asleep at the wheel when it really counts.
“Regardless of whether Maori, rainbow or senior representatives, a decision like this should be made on behalf of Aucklanders, by people they actually voted for.”
The Auckland Development Committee is chaired by Deputy Mayor Penny Hulse, not the Mayor. All elected Councillors are members of the committee but unlike the supreme Governing Body, it also includes two unelected members from the Independent Maori Statutory Board.
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.
Substantial focus and action needed in housing supply chain
With a 30,000 home shortage in Auckland, we’re not seeing clear enough progress in the absolute basics of housing supply. We’re distracted with pie in the sky and fringe solutions while Auckland’s average house price romps towards a million dollars.
Suggestions of the Government building for demand are wildly unhelpful distractions. The Government just doesn’t have the capability or flexibility to deliver the scale and at the speed we need.
There are practical and realistic actions to address housing supply and affordability in Auckland. Some we haven’t started, others we’re not seeing strong enough progress in. See my proposal for actions needed here.
I must say it’s becoming increasingly clear that Phil Goff’s vision for Auckland is to be asleep at the wheel while the Government runs and fixes everything.
If he is serious about being Auckland's Mayor, he's got to take off his Labour MP hat, put his thinking cap on, and come up with a broader source of solutions. Ideally, that would include levers actually influenced by the Mayoral job.
For more information visit https://vic4mayor.nz/policy/housing/
Comprehensive approach to infrastructure funding needed
Auckland Mayoral Candidate Victoria Crone is welcoming the Government’s $1bn infrastructure fund but says Auckland Council now have no excuse not to speed up delivery of infrastructure projects, consenting and deliver more homes. She says better working relationships between Council, CCOs (like AT and Watercare), Government and developers will be crucial to access money from the Housing Infrastructure Fund. “I see the proposed introduction of a UDA as a failure of Auckland Council’s core functions of planning, consenting and growth support. This wouldn’t happen under my watch,” says Ms Crone. “It’s important Auckland Council bring a wide range of funding sources to support Auckland’s growth. Mayoral candidates who think the government should solve all our problems quite frankly lack the skills for the job. “Last week I announced accelerating six transport projects across the Auckland region which will be funded by a mix of efficiency savings, Government support, Public Private Partnerships and tolls. “The North Western Busway, Mill Road and electrification of rail to Pukekohe projects are prime candidates for the Government’s new infrastructure fund and I'd intend to make these applications. “It’s clear funding and delivery of Auckland’s growth needs broader thinking than career politician Phil Goff has offered up, with government funding and new taxes his only proposed ideas.” ENDS
Moving port operations from our waterfront creates a unique opportunity to shape Auckland’s waterfront and build a world class port.
It’s been clear for some time now that the existing port space can’t accommodate long term freight or vehicle operations within its current footprint. While not as comprehensive as we need, the Future Port Study released today provides the burning platform to move the port’s operations over time.
No doubt this will be a monumental and expensive task, including many stakeholders and big funding decisions. But it’s got to happen. If we want it done right we’ll need strong, switched on, and partnership-focused leadership from the outset.
Ultimately we need a robust plan for a world class port that follows a smooth transition over 20-30 years. It’s got to have the least impact on operations and ratepayers’ pockets. Ideally this would happen with a view to our nationwide port needs, something I’d talk to the government about.
We will then have the exciting opportunity of creating something truly wonderful on our prime waterfront space that really puts our personality on the world stage. Think about a mixed-use public area all the way from from Wynyard Quarter right up to Judges Bay. There’s a lot of space and many options available which could for example include a significant international and local ferry terminal. Regardless, Aucklanders must be a big part of that vision.
So the next step for me would be commissioning a full scale investigation into the what, how, when and where. This will include working with the business community, Iwi, and the Government, as well as considering a range of funding options.
In the meantime, we can start to protect possible future port sites and corridors. There is also the need to provide flexible growth options for operations and cruise capacity. I’d like to see the details behind the proposal to add berth space to Bledisloe Wharf with a view to seeking alternative options.
Vic Crone has 20-years’ business experience in high growth industries including multi-billion dollar infrastructure projects and culture change programmes. She has a strong record of results and partnerships with central government, regional councils and social enterprise.
I’ve just announced the first stage of my transport policy for Auckland.
I’m ruling out congestion charging without viable alternatives in place. The immediate focus should be on fixing what we’ve got, delivering projects on time and on budget, and making sure we're ahead of technology change.
I will progress six key projects in Council's 10-year plan. They include accelerating Mill Road and AMETI, along with bringing Penlink, Lake Road, the North Western busway, and electrification of rail to Pukekohe into the 10-year plan.
This announcement will be funded through:
Recycled funds from at least $500m savings in the 10-year plan - part of her fiscal policy;
Working with the government to secure funding options for key projects;
Seeking a Public Private Partnership for the Mill Road and Penlink projects;
Tolls on Mill Road and Penlink which have existing alternative routes.
I'm fundamentally opposed to congestion charging when there are no viable alternative routes or good public transport options available. The point of congestion charging is to change behaviour which you simply can’t do when so many Aucklanders are forced to use their cars. Take people in the north-west, east Auckland, and south Auckland for example.
Finally, technology will play an important part in our transport options. I'll look to promote the use of electric cars and intelligent traffic management systems along with preparing for driverless buses/shuttles. I'll also call for a report into what our public transport will look like in 30 years.
ATAP positively refreshing but strong Auckland leadership needed
I’m welcoming the joint government and council approach in Auckland Transport Alignment Project (ATAP) interim report. But it’s pretty clear that Auckland will need need strong leadership to deliver existing programmes on time and budget, while also building towards a transport network that takes advantages of changes coming our way.
Over the next 30 years the way we get around Auckland will change dramatically with growth and new innovations. It’s fantastic to see this project take a collaborative, integrated and future-focused approach to the structural problems we’ve seen in Auckland’s transport planning.
As I’ve said many times before, we definitely need more emphasis on ensuring transport investment that supports growth. It's particularly serious when we’re seeing new housing growth so disconnected from transport options, driving up congestion on our roads.
Another big win for me is the real stake in the ground highlighting the importance of future technology. We must have an eye to emerging transport technologies which will change the types of investment we need and provide bridging solutions.
Funding
In terms of road pricing options, my preference would be for tolls on new roads, where people have alternative options. I'd rule out a congestion charge at this point in time because with a broken transport system and poor alternatives it just wouldn’t be fair.
ATAP acknowledge this, and are testing the concept of demand-based traffic management. But learnings from overseas markets such as the UK and Asia, show that these concepts can take decades to bring in.
There is still another phase to the project and the government has also hinted it may come to the table with funding where there is need for significant projects to be brought forward. I would welcome this, and if the Government is to provide support for these projects, council will need to step up its game, focus on its priorities and prove that it can deliver on time and within budget.
I'm strongly against the increase to Auckland Councillor salaries, including the Mayor and deputy, as recently recommended and signaled by the Remuneration Authority. It’s a blow to Aucklanders who more than ever are desperate for a shake up in Council.
The fundamental problem is that the authority, which by law sets elected member salaries based on public sector benchmarks, takes absolutely no account of performance in pay reviews.
Rates have increased 50 per cent since amalgamation, staff costs have increased 50 per cent, Auckland's satisfaction with Council is at a poor 15 per cent, many service level targets have not been met and we've been made aware of some pretty significant budget overruns such as NewCore.
I’m sure honest councillors, the Mayor and deputy, would agree that the latest signal of a 20 per cent minimum increase in their salaries should be out of the question. I’m pleased to see council candidate Bill Ralston sharing these serious concerns and as Mayor I definitely wouldn't accept the increase, donating it back.
There’s increasing concern about land banking and homes left unoccupied in Auckland for capital gains.
While we don’t have a clear picture of the numbers, I’m hearing loud and clear there’s a problem and strong anecdotal evidence right across Auckland, including Special Housing Areas (SHAs). We’re also seeing this with commercial premises.
At a time when people are struggling to get into homes, it’s important any land earmarked for development is being developed, and homes are not left unused for the sake of capital gains.
If elected Mayor, I will reduce the financial incentives to sit on property longer than six months by:
introducing a targeted rate for strategically unoccupied dwellings and commercial premises, working with Watercare on monitoring data;
introducing a targeted rate where there is no development activity on any land in areas earmarked for development. If there is still no response the land will be rezoned, usually collapsing the value;
introducing well-enforced ‘sunset clauses’ with clear time frames for development activity on any council land freed-up for development - also covering SHAs. I’ll be working in partnership with the government to progress this approach on Crown land; and
shaking up council’s consenting process to deliver good quality, faster and less costly outcomes. Council should not be a hindrance to development.
We will have to work with major stakeholders and the government to find a good balance with charges, conditions, and possibly time period, but this will happen as a matter of priority
Targeted rates will be reviewed as more land, home and commercial premise becomes available. Ms Crone adds that council’s approach must be more flexible and collaborative to ensure it can respond in good time and with good solutions to burning issues.
Yesterday Auckland Council released its latest report on public trust and confidence. Again, it’s a sad story and exactly why I'm serious about truly shaking up council for the better.
-Advocacy levels for council 8%
-Satisfaction with council’s performance 15%
-Trust in council to make the right decisions 17%
-Confidence in council’s direction 20%
I told the NBR I've never seen scores this bad in my career. No leader would survive year to year with results like this. The most disappointing thing is the lack of action in next steps, which indicates council doesn't understand the magnitude of the community's dissatisfaction.
This election is a catalyst for a real shakeup - not just a change. Council should be there to serve and enable people, not make life harder. So I really hope people are thinking about the kinds of skills we need in a Mayor to deliver a real shakeup, not just a pretend change.
I’ve led large-scale organisational transformation projects, both in the public and private sector. I have the energy, strong leadership and fresh thinking to deliver real results.
My transparency policy will compliment this big shakeup by providing open and honest information to promote real progress and reconnect council to the people it’s meant to serve.
This is a first choice for me, not a last resort retirement plan. I’ve left a pretty good job to put my heart and soul into this election because I’m serious about this big shakeup.
Join the #OurWaterfront conversation - a vision for Auckland, led by Aucklanders
A growing, competitive city needs a world class port. Given what Auckland’s growth will demand from a port over the next 50-100 years, it’s a no-brainer the port in it’s current location is obsolete. As Mayor I will lead a robust process to find a new home and a good transition plan for our Port.
This means a large piece of prime waterfront area (think around 70-80 football fields) will be freed up. I’d love to hear your vision and ideas for what could be done with this incredible piece of land.
It’s time to get Aucklanders leading conversations about our future and this #OurWaterfront opportunity just can’t be missed! Share your ideas by:
1. Using the #OurWaterfront tag on social media posts with your ideas (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest, and LinkedIn)
2. Email me at [email protected]
3. Post your ideas to me at 905/86 The Strand, Parnell, Auckland, 1010.
Message for council: be smart, responsive, collaborative and ambitious
Yesterday the Government released it’s proposed National Policy Statement on Urban Development. My view is that the actions required by councils under this policy are really what any good council should be doing. Yet while the announcement may be business as usual for many other councils, we all know Auckland Council needs to up its game.
It requires councils to give a clearer and more holistic picture of how much housing will be needed in the short, medium and long-term and be ready to respond to this. Any organisation must be attuned to the importance of monitoring and forecasting future demand, analysing current capacity and then having the preparation, tools and flexibility to respond to any possible shortfall.
Obviously somewhere along the line, we’ve dropped the ball in Auckland which is why we’re suffering a big under supply and resulting price hikes. We’re not forecasting well enough, not planning based on important market factors, and we’re certainly not flexible enough in our response.
Ultimately I believe the big lessons council needs to take away from this are:
Be smarter - plan for future needs based on good forecasting and monitoring
Be responsive - have a flexible culture, processes and solutions to respond to issues, particularly important in the shorter term. Here Government must also play its role being more agile in freeing up crown land when needed
Be collaborative - with a range of crucial stakeholders including infrastructure providers, developers, the government, social housing providers, and other councils. You can’t operate in a silo
Be ambitious - whether it be more efficient consenting or more investment by developers, you can’t build a world class city with by setting the bar low and making excuses.
I think this also reminds Auckland Council that Auckland isn't an island on its own. It’s the engine room of New Zealand and when we miss the mark here, the rest of the country has to deal with it.
Budget won’t rescue Auckland, Council must do its job
My comments in NZ Herald (27 May):
The Government's Budget focuses on investing where it rightly should. For Auckland the investments in schools, health, social and emergency housing, innovation as well as employment are exactly what the Government needs to do.
And I think council should be taking notes. In this Budget the Government freed up $480 million, diverting to priority areas of investment. It's about time council did the same, focusing on critical infrastructure including transport and housing.
As the largest holder of land in Auckland, the Government is not freeing it up fast enough for housing. Although $100 million for Crown land will help, I'm looking for a bigger bang for our buck this time. The last Budget's allocation of $52 million closed the deal on four sites for a combined capacity of only 940 homes. That's not good enough.
However, even with this land freed up, we'll still struggle unless we speed up consenting, and work with developers to get infrastructure in faster as well as providing more affordable homes.
More detail on the National Policy Statement for Urban Development needs to be released urgently.
While there is not much new in the budget for Auckland transport, Government is already coming to the table with the CRL, East-West Link, second harbour crossing and Puhoi-Wellsford projects. Further opportunities for joint investment must be agreed as part of a comprehensive strategy for Auckland, which the Auckland Transport Alignment Project will provide.
Critics are saying this Budget doesn't do enough for Auckland. I say we shouldn't be relying on Government to do council's job. If that's our way of thinking, why not get rid of council altogether and hand the reins over.
Council needs to get its act together, deliver a more focused investment programme for Auckland, free up land, speed up consents and get critical infrastructure in place faster. That will happen under my leadership.
Knowledge is power. At a NZ Initiative forum today, I announced that as Mayor, I will open the council books, introduce six monthly report cards and establish an Independent Budgetary Office. I’ve floated the ideas with Councillors, professionals and members of the public, and they say it’s about time.
To many people, Auckland Council is a frustrating mythical creature that’s hard to navigate, inaccessible, disconnected and therefore not seen as delivering the right results. This has repercussions for trust, community engagement and weakens our ability to drive good decision making.
An Independent Budget Office
Council is no small operation with a huge average $6bn of spend annually in the 10-year plan so it has the ability to fundamentally change the way we live. But there is serious concern, particularly in the business community, around the strength of advice behind its large-scale multi-million dollar investments. I’ll introduce an Independent Budget Office (IBO) for more robust budget advice on strategic, long-term, and large-spend investments. This will include providing much needed cost-benefit analysis that is relevant and digestible for the Governing Body, local boards and the public. The non-partisan IBO will also carry out reviews to make sure these approved investment decisions are delivering the outcomes promised.
Opening council’s books
I’ll also initiate a strong data programme that effectively opens council’s books at a line by line level. This information will be available to the public to search and analyse, covering any area of expenditure (excluding commercially sensitive data) as well as full reporting around employee and contractor numbers. If we’re doing things right, we’ve got nothing to worry about. If we’re not, that’s motivation to sort it out so we get it right next time.
The Mayor’s Report Cards
Six-monthly Mayor’s Report Cards will update us on progress in our priority investment areas. Transport and housing are definitely issues of urgency that would be at the top of the list needing clearer key metrics on progress. These are a cost effective and coordinated set of initiatives that will bring improved performance, transparency, trust and confidence, around the workings of Auckland Council and CCOs.
For more more information see my policy page or join my conversations on Facebook and Twitter
