Brown seeks 2nd term to push for better transport and affordable housing
 
Auckland Mayor Len Brown today announced he will seek a second term with a focus on transport, affordable housing, and keeping rates low.
 
He launched his campaign today at an event with supporters and unveiled his first round of campaign billboards.
 
“Much has been achieved in the first three years of the new Auckland Council but there is considerable work still to do to bring Auckland together, further strengthen our communities, and make this the world’s most liveable city.
 
“It is important that the region is led by a mayor who knows what matters to Aucklanders.  We face big challenges – the challenge of high population growth, integrating the transport system, providing affordable housing, and getting the Auckland economy moving.  These are pressing issues and will be priority areas in a second term.
 
“The government has agreed to proceed with the Central Rail Link, along with other parts of the transport agenda.  Moving ahead with that project – in a way which delivers a crucial piece of transport infrastructure efficiently and at least cost to both ratepayers and taxpayers– will require considerable attention.
 
“Finalising the Unitary Plan and moving forward with the Special Housing Areas will begin to address the problem of unaffordable housing.  This will allow us to unlock new land by fast-tracking consents for development while requiring developers to provide for low cost housing in exchange.
 
“Ratepayers want a fiscally responsible mayor setting the budgets for the region.  In the first three years, while managing the demands imposed on us of moving to a single rating system, we have successively cut rate increases.  This year we are limiting average rate rises to 2.9 percent.  In a second term, I intend to continue to deliver average rate rises of around or less than the inflation rate.
 
“Much of what Auckland needs will only be achieved off the back of a strong economy.  We must plan for growth.  This will drive job growth, increase Auckland’s productivity and exports, and generate greater levels of income.  If re-elected, I will continue to focus on developing a more innovative economy while building links with our major trading partners in the Asia-Pacific region.  Tourism is also an area the Council must focus on, alongside working with the government to tackle youth unemployment.
 
“We can also deliver on environmental and infrastructure projects which will help to make Auckland the world’s most liveable city, including work on reducing carbon emissions, improving harbour water quality, and developing and protecting land for parks and recreation.  Auckland’s waterfront is being transformed and this will continue to be a priority.
 
“My first term has been dominated by the challenges of amalgamating eight councils and authorities into a single Council structure.  We have put in place the foundations for Auckland to move forward with unity on a number of significant projects.  If elected to a second term, I will continue to focus on the issues which matter most to Aucklanders.”

ENDS

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