Press Release
Affordable Auckland
Resource Consents

Candidates Contrast Over Bunnings

As a result of the debate over the building of a Bunnings in Arch Hill, there is now a clear contrast between the two declared candidates in the race for the Waitemata & Gulf ward seat on Auckland City Council. Incumbent Mike Lee has thrown his support behind the residents of Arch Hill who are attempting to stop the issuing of resource consent for Bunnings to build a store on Great North Road. Affordable Auckland candidate Stephen Berry believes Bunnings, as the property owner, should be free to build as long as the business does not violate the property rights of its neighbours.

“I believe that this issue and others in the Waitemata & Gulf ward will show a consistent difference between Mike Lee and me. Mr. Lee represents an over-reaching, over-active Council that feels justified in planning every square inch of private property owners’ properties. This is an obstacle to progress, a handbrake on jobs and the catalyst for unaffordable living in Auckland.”

Affordable Auckland advocates for a Council that does less in order to reduce the cost of living and building in the city. “When a company wants to build a new store in our city, providing hundreds of jobs, Council should not be putting roadblocks in their way. Council should be making the process of doing so as cheap and simple as possible. The same applies for when somebody wants to add a room to their house, renovate their ‘heritage’ home or subdivide their property in a manner that does not violate the property rights of their neighbour.”

“It seems a lot of people have jumped into this debate over what should be built on the site, including spokesman for the neighbourhood group, Sue Lyons, who wants the site turned into a boulevard of apartments with small street level shops. Stephen Berry recommends, “If you want the site developed in a certain way then source investment funds, buy it and battle the politicians, bureaucrats and unaffected objecting neighbours in order to truly experience the three ring circus the ensues when central planning takes priority property rights.”

“I welcome Bunnings and the jobs it will provide with open arms. If I am elected councillor for Waitemata & Gulf I will welcome plenty more economic and employment opportunities for this area.”

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