In running for Mayor, I am not really involved in your area, except to do my best to ensure the Local Board does its job well. That's the most important thing for your area. If it does I will ensure the policies and projects get a good hearing for implementing or funding and will work with the Chairman of the Local Board and the Ward councillors to assist where possible.
My Green policies include removing Privet trees across Auckland, planting trees that supply food for native birds, having fruit and nut trees planted where appropriate on parks or council land and allowing natives like Kiwis in suitably fenced residential areas if there is sufficient assurance of their protection.
The best thing I can do for Greenhithe is fixing Auckland's congestion. I have detailed plans for doing this within the three years but fully completed in year four. The second part to keep congestion in manageable levels for 15-25 years is to have an affordable new mode elevated transport system installed across Auckland within ten years to provide for trebling of the current passenger transport capacity, with an on-demand service giving travel times half that at present.
This could enable a trip fromAlbany to Auckland Airport in 45 minutes anytime.
This would be a service for Greenhithe even though it would not go into Greenhithe at this stage. In reducing congestion to this level the travel times for vehicles would be halved and pollution from car fumes would be more than halved.
My top 5 Issues
1. Reduce Congestion and Pollution
Introducing the following policies can virtually remove congestion
a) 90% green lighting on majorr CBD entry roads 6-9am,4-7pm
b) Free up exits from motorways
c) Co-ordinate lights on arterial roads
d) Build four short tunnel/underpasses to double access for 7 major roads
2. A New Public Transportation Strategy
Most Aucklanders will agree that the current transport strategies in Auckland are not working
a) Look at the modern more affordable technology alternatives that are available
b) Introduce proper transport evaluation processes like Benefit Cost analyses
3. Development Ideas
Create assets for Auckland with new developments
a) East Manukau Harbour 'Riviera' Developments. Rejuvenate this part of Auckland with a new Auckland Square, apartments marinas and housing developments, an International Rowing Course and a fabulous site for the Convention Centre.
b) Old Railway Yards Developments at Quay park
c) Queen and Quay St above verandah walkways and seating
4. Direct and Monitor Council Controlled Organisations
a) Set targets, Criteria and Key Performance Indicators
b) Ensure Council Controlled Organisations deliver on Local Boards approved Projects
5. Address problems
There are multiple areas where city policy can be rejuvenated and refined
a) City Consent Processes -Introduce Commercial Service Levels
b) Developers Levies - Reduce, as current Levies are too high
d) Coastal Management
e) Planning and Numbers of Retail Centers
f) Privet tree removal across city
Ensuring every thing is done to have the Local Boards consulting residents, getting them involved in dreaming about their neighbourhood during the first year. My policy includes starting to meet with the Local Board members during the second week after swearing in.
Placing as many projects and policies from the Local Boards into my spatial plan to be presented to Council for approval and to have as many as possible Local Board projects included in the Year two Plan as possible so they have time to be completed. There is only a two year period to action the projects.
Having a meeting in the North Shore area every year to promote contact with local people and to keep them informed of regional matters. We have a real chance of making Auckland great for Aucklanders if we do it all together. We can, with this new super city governance,the following policies an if the Local Boards fulfill their role.
