Media Release City Vision-Labour Councillors -

Auckland City Council For Immediate Release

Wednesday 27 August 2008

*Aotea Square Upgrade Not Family Friendly*

At the Arts, Culture and Recreation Committee today, City Vision-Labour Councillors failed in their attempt to make the Aotea Square upgrade more family and children friendly when Citizens and Ratepayers (C&R) Councillors block voted against including a shade structure and water features as design enhancements.

Councillor Cathy Casey said, "The Council failed to consult with children over features which children and their parents would like, including critters and other interesting street furniture common in civic spaces throughout the world. I am very disappointed C&R voted against adding water features to complement Terry Springer's *Mountain Fountain*. Children love *Bucket Fountain *in Wellington's Cuba Mall and I am shocked C&R didn't support adding something for children to splash around in especially given the heat we get on the Square in summer."

Councillor Glenda Fryer said, "The provision of shade in the summer time has become more important for people who are wary of direct sunlight. Sun shading has become a normal part of essential provisions in public spaces. Nikau trees are not renowned for their protection from the sun and I am disappointed that there was no additional funding approved for shading."

Councillor Casey concluded by saying, "This C&R Council is proving itself to be very unfriendly towards families. Today C&R voted against free entry to the Maritime Museum's Peter Blake memorial *Blue Water Black Magic*!"

ENDS

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