Auckland’s time has come. We have a widely-shared vision to be the world’s most liveable city. And for the first time in our history, we have a single, comprehensive plan to deliver this vision for all of Auckland and all its people – the Auckland Plan. It is a plan that will help us compete on the international stage, and one that will help every Aucklander achieve the best they can. Auckland is our place, and we are ready to grasp this opportunity for a prosperous future.
As the Mayor of Auckland, I am both proud and humbled by the depth of feeling Aucklanders have for our amazing city and the way everyone engaged in the development of this Plan. The quality and effort evident in the submissions and other input is simply staggering.
Using this input, the Auckland Plan addresses the diversity and multiplicity of issues that a long-term spatial plan such as this must confront. It reflects a process of listening, learning, balancing and evaluating. The result is a shared vision and strategy to steer Auckland’s future development over the next 30 years.
Delivering this vision requires us to collaborate and work together as never before – to roll up our sleeves and bring this Plan to life. Everyone has a role to play to achieve our vision, especially the six transformational shifts that Auckland must deliver:
- dramatically accelerate the prospects of Auckland’s children and young people
- strongly commit to environmental action and green growth
- move to outstanding public transport within one network
- radically improve the quality of urban living
- substantially raise living standards for all Aucklanders and focus on those most in need
- significantly lift Māori social and economic well-being.
Given the challenges Auckland faces, and the extent that these challenges will be amplified with an additional one million people over the next 30 years, doing more of the same will simply not suffice. We need deliberate, targeted and determined action – a partnership between central government, the private sector, the community and Auckland Council.
The gap between those who have and those who don’t is growing by the day. This is not the society Aucklanders want, nor does it augur well for the future. The Plan contains strategies and actions that address these socio-economic trends. There is a particular focus on our children and young people – our parents and leaders of the future.
There is also a strong emphasis on Auckland’s economy and growing prosperity for all, as well as the education and skill development we desperately need to compete in the ‘new’ economy. The interdependency of Auckland and New Zealand is recognised. As the largest city, with the advantages that economies of scale and agglomeration bring, we must maximise every opportunity to lift our economic performance. The nation’s expectation is that our city is the economic powerhouse of New Zealand. We are not yet. For the sake of New Zealand, Auckland cannot lag economically.
Auckland will experience substantial growth pressures over the next 30 years. We face the challenge of how to accommodate growth without losing the things we value most about Auckland. The Plan’s quality compact city model can achieve this balance, further enhance Auckland’s amenity and build on the lifestyle we are renowned for.
There will be significant change in Auckland’s urban fabric over the next 30 years, giving Aucklanders greater choice in how and where they live and work. Each community will consider the appropriate degree of compactness and level of intensification that goes with this. Our emphasis is to build on local character, and to create vibrant, creative places and inclusive communities.
Despite the substantial changes that a million extra Aucklanders will require, the Auckland Plan will also ensure that Auckland’s environment is not harmed, and the Plan incorporates strategies to protect and further enhance our natural environment. Auckland will also play its part in reducing greenhouse gas emissions and improving the quality of its air and water.
Our rural and coastal areas are unique features that make Auckland what it is, and they play an important part in Auckland’s future. They will provide more city dwellers with breathing space and fantastic recreation activities. Yet they will also play a greater role in Auckland’s economy, particularly with the Plan’s emphasis on sustainable rural production and enterprise.
The significant investments in transport that the Plan provides will ensure that Auckland works better and that people and freight can move more freely. The Plan establishes the steps necessary to move towards an integrated transport network. This will improve the choice and efficiency of transport options for Aucklanders, with a much greater focus on quality public transport. Investment in cycling and walking facilities will make them more attractive to commuters, and have additional health and environmental benefits.
New Zealand is a small and sometimes vulnerable country, and everyone plays a part in its success. This is the start of a new phase for Auckland – an opportunity to create an exciting and prosperous future. But it requires a deep commitment to collaboration and cooperation. By respecting the diversity that is Auckland, and working with a determined, collective purpose, we can together achieve great things for the benefit of all Aucklanders and our country.
Auckland’s time has come – let our spirit soar.
Māori:
Ē ko te wā hira o Tāmaki Makaurau – me rere te wairua
Samoan:
‘Ua o‘o i lo tatou taimi ‘Aukilani – tatou ‘alalaga ma fiafia
Cook Island Maori:
No Akarana nei teia tuatau – kia akaepaepa tatou i te reira
Tongan:
‘Aokalani – ko ho tau taimi eni. Tu’u hake ke tau fakafiefia
Fijian:
Sa nei Okaladi na gauna oqo – me tubu cake vaka kina na yaloda
Chinese:
奥克兰时代已经来临, 让我们携手共进
Hindi:
अब ऑकलैंड का समय आ गया है – चलिए अपनी भावनाओं की उड़ान भरें
Len Brown
Mayor of Auckland
