Auckland encouraged to have stronger links with Hamilton

Regional interdependence and meeting Auckland’s industrial land needs are two of the key aspects of Hamilton City Council’s submission to the Draft Auckland Plan.

Hamilton Mayor Julie Hardaker presented the submission yesterday (5 December) to the Auckland Council, highlighting how Hamilton can further develop its relationship with its northern metropolitan neighbour and continue to enhance the Upper North Island’s position as the country’s economic powerhouse.

Mayor Hardaker strongly encouraged Auckland to increase its dialogue with Hamilton and the Waikato region: “Hamilton and the Waikato are very important to the success of Auckland but the Auckland Plan does not have any real reference to that relationship. In addition, our region provides Auckland’s water, waste and aggregates, all of which are key to its successful growth.”

“The recently signed Upper North Island Strategic Agreement, of which Auckland and Hamilton are parties, is an important step in a more collaborative approach to the priority issues that affect our wider region and Hamilton supports this direction.”

Council’s submission focused on the significant industrial land reserve in Hamilton, which could provide the practical solution for Auckland’s industrial land shortages, and ease some of that city’s traffic congestion.

“Hamilton is part of the North Island’s economic ‘Golden Triangle’, and development of a closer relationship between our city and Auckland is of benefit to both cities, their communities and the country well.

“Absorbing some of Auckland’s growing industries into Hamilton’s available land resource is a sustainable option for Auckland and presents real economic advantages for Hamilton,” Mayor Hardaker says.

Auckland Council’s desire to shift commuters out of their cars and on to public transport systems was also identified as a positive in Hamilton’s submission, with economic benefits expected beyond Auckland’s boundaries. Mayor Hardaker told the Auckland Council it was important an integrated approach to transport planning was put in place.

Ms Hardaker supported Auckland’s approach to increasing urban sprawl, A “compact city” model for Auckland is seen as beneficial for neighbouring territorial authorities and a more environmentally and economically sustainable method of growth.