Dick Quax Maiden Speech to Auckland Council

Thank you Madame Deputy Mayor and Councillors for giving this opportunity make a maiden speech.

I want to thank my wife Roxanne and my children Tania, Jacob and Theodore for their support and love.

Without that love and support I could do very little.

I want to acknowledge my parents - long since passed - for bringing me to this great country where I have been able realise my dreams.

It is a great privilege to represent the people of the Howick Ward – a new ward made up of the former Pakuranga, Howick and Botany wards of the old Manukau City. It is a hugely diverse ward with 48 per cent of all our residents having been born overseas. A third of the population is from Asia.

They have all come here for the same reason as thousands of other immigrants including my parents.

To provide a better way of life for themselves and their children.

My platform for the Howick by election was based around the need for Council to focus on its core activities and spend our ratepayers money wisely and to make our region affordable so that everyone can enjoy living here.

We face huge challenges

Over the next thirty years the population of Auckland will increase by about 650,000.

That means about 300,000 new houses need to be built.

However, there is a projected shortfall of 90,000 houses.

More land and supporting infrastructure will be needed if the goal to unleash Auckland is to be realised.

For many of us Auckland already is one of the world’s most liveable cities. We are able to take advantage of the great natural assets that we have, beautiful harbours , a world famous gulf dotted with beautiful islands, sub tropical rain forests, lots of green open spaces, world class cultural activities, and an array of professional sports teams to watch.

But, for too many Aucklanders the reality is that they have no stake in their region, in their city or in their community.

They are shut out of a housing market that has become increasingly unaffordable.

These people will be renters for the rest of their lives – unable to step onto the first rung of personal wealth creation – home ownership.

It will be no surprise to you that I support a more dispersed urban form than being promoted.

The focus on a compact city is flawed and housing unaffordability is just one of the unintended consequences of that flawed model.

It also leads to more congestion and more pollution.

It places more pressure on aging infrastructure.

It’s also a socially flawed concept associated with transience, increased crime and a loss of sense of community.

It reduces green space and is unfriendly to children.

A truly liveable city is one where all citizens get a fair go.

We are all brought together to this place to carry out the work of making Auckland a great place to live, work and play.

We all want it to be region that attracts and retains talented people from all walks of life.

We want it to be a great place for children to grow up and lead fulfilling lives.

We want a region with a thriving economy so that all can enjoy the fruits of their labours.

Over the coming years we will get a chance to make Auckland a great place for all of the people who live here.

The challenges will be great.

As I look around this Council Chamber I see a group of dedicated and talented people who all want to do what is best for our region and for our communities.

We have Council staff of dedicated public servants who are also committed to the same goal.

I consider it a privilege and honour to be able to take my place amongst you.

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