Media Release
16 December 2008

Mayor to highlight Manukau’s priorities at meeting with PM

Manukau Mayor Len Brown will highlight the key priorities for Manukau when he meets Prime Minister John Key in Wellington on Friday.

“It is a great opportunity to forge a strong working relationship with the new government and discuss issues that are important to Manukau city,” Mr Brown said.

Policing, funding for more Early Childhood Centres, the fight against P (Methampehetamine) epidemic, government support for the AMETI Project needed to improve transport in the city’s Eastern suburbs and Auckland Regional governance are among the issues Mr Brown will discuss with Mr Key and Police Minister, Papakura MP Judith Collins.

“We want to see our police resources working effectively for the Counties Manukau community and we are looking forward to seeing the extra 300 police officers being promised for the region, which will help to address drug and gang-related crime,” the Mayor said.

“Education is another important issue for Manukau city. To date only about 40 per cent of our children have access to a pre-school education. I would like to see 80 to 90 per cent of our children getting a pre-school education.

“For this to happen, it is essential we get funding for more Early Childhood Centres in our city, and I will be advocating strongly for this.”

Mr Brown will also seek a review of the Prostitution Law Reform legislation following community concerns around street workers causing serious difficulties in parts of the city.

“Manukau is a distinctive community so it makes sense that local and central government work together to achieve the best outcomes for our communities,” Mr Brown said.

“We are addressing a number of issues in Manukau and a strong partnership with the government will play a crucial role in our city continuing to move forward.”

ENDS

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