Auckland's plan needs Government support

Auckland Council’s Economic Development Strategy sets out a detailed vision, but serious questions remain about the National Government’s support, says Labour’s Economic Development spokesperson David Cunliffe.

“It’s good to see the Auckland Council taking a long-term, strategic approach that partners with business, Maori and communities and sets ambitious goals to increase jobs and sustainable growth for Auckland.

“This is the sort of planning that’s needed to get Auckland moving.

“The strategy has big plans but they will need support from central government and that’s where the rubber hits the road. There is a stark difference between the Council’s vision of sustainable growth with 21st Century public transport and National’s old-fashioned thinking on economic growth, its inability to help exporters and its unwillingness to support public transport.

“Auckland’s vision of an ‘eco-economy’ is almost diametrically opposed to National’s vision, which places undue reliance on mining more and drilling more. Auckland is right to seek a more diverse, high-growth economy.

“Auckland’s growth will depend on partnership with the Government. Labour in Government would engage with the Council; back public transport; and partner with Auckland’s development plan.

“But Economic Development minister Steven Joyce’s no-show at today’s strategy launch highlights the obvious contrasts between Auckland Council and the National Government,” David Cunliffe said.

“There should be real concerns that the contrasts between the forward-looking Auckland Council and the backwards-looking National Government mean nothing will progress.”