Viewpoint – View from the 27th floor

We all look forward to Christmas and the summer sunshine, but just as we begin to relax it seems it’s time to get back to work.

I spent Christmas in Auckland. I got a few jobs done around my much neglected small farm, relaxed at our holiday Bach on the Hauraki Gulf and caught a couple of Snapper.

There was a lot to do around Auckland. I watched the Women’s tennis final at the ASB Tennis, sadly without seeing Serena. And I edged my way back to work with a visit to Great Barrier to meet Local Board members. It’s a little piece of paradise over there reminding me of how we used to live in Auckland many years ago. But on January 9, it was back to work with a big agenda in front of Auckland Council this year.

We got a lot done in a short period last year from the inauguration of the new Council on November 1. Streamlined committee structures have significantly reduced time and resources devoted to needless bureaucracy and will enable better decision making from your councillors, and increased scrutiny on how your rates are spent.

We have also increased levels of scrutiny and accountability for Council Controlled Organisations such as ATEED, Auckland Transport and Panuku that will ensure our Council family of organisations are delivering good outcomes for the residents of Auckland, and that major decisions are properly consulted and delivered, where possible, by Local Boards.

Of course the holiday period shines a light on some of our pressing issues particularly on our transport system when loads increase tenfold and the pinch points and pressures on our system are felt acutely.

Readers of this publication will know well the issues around Penlink and the long- term work to better connect Puhoi and Warkworth. Many agencies are involved in resolving these matters and co-ordination is vital.

Importantly, we desperately need the funding for infrastructure development to accelerate works that will relieve congestion around our city and increase public and alternative transport options for all Aucklanders.

From the 27th floor of the Council building, a glance at our city’s skyline and the number of cranes and construction underway highlights the fact that Auckland is growing at a rapid rate.

As well as the impacts of growth on Auckland’s commercial and suburban areas, it is important we acknowledge the consequences growth has on our rural and coastal communities.

As we grow, we need to sustain the unique character of our rural communities, protect our environment and deal with the pressure on our regional parks.

Making good decisions on these matters will only come from understanding what residents want. Please continue to engage with your local boards and councillors, and take advantage of the upcoming consultation on the Council’s Annual Plan so that we can deliver solutions that benefit everyone.

We have a big year ahead of us and much work to do. Looking forward to it.