Auckland needs a strong Mayor and Council
Vic Crone – 
Over the next few months, Aucklanders will be faced with the serious decision of who they think can best lead our city into the future.
This year, more than ever, it is clear that a fast growing city like ours is in serious need of strong, dynamic and collaborative leadership.
My vision for Auckland is a world class city – one that’s smart, inclusive and competitive. In this day and age, we cannot afford to be anything less.
Scary story
Only 13% of Aucklanders trust our Council and that tells us a big and scary story.
I am running for Mayor because I can be the strong leader that Auckland needs.
I will drive the focus we need on outcomes, critical investment, and people.
With 20 years of business experience in multibillion dollar infrastructure projects in fast-growing industries, I have a proven track record of delivering results.
Last year alone Aucklanders saw an average 9.9% rise in their rates and my policy will include 2% cap on average residential rates.
If council is not being cost-effective, timely and smart with its spending, it is downright outrageous to expect more from ratepayers.
Effective savings
I have been through Auckland’s 10-year plan with a fine tooth comb and I know that there is at least $500 million savings to be made.
Those savings will be focused on reducing back-office waste, efficient procurement, cutting duplication and imposing a Mayor-led Line-Item Review programme.
Unfortunately, we have not had the strong leadership needed to get us prepared and be ahead of growth trends. Housing numbers and transport infrastructure are not keeping up with population growth and demand.
Ultimately what we have is a big supply issue and naturally that means houses become more expensive and roads are more clogged.
The right approach is not to shut the door to immigration or expect the government to fix these complex issues with a silver bullet.
Integrated approach
The Government is playing its part freeing up Crown land, and jointly funding projects like the City Rail Link, East-West Link, second harbour crossing, and Penlink.
However, both Council and Government must free up land faster and work toward a more integrated and comprehensive transport network.
I will lead more constructive relationships with key players to get a critical infrastructure in place faster for housing and transport.
I will also look to speed up the consenting process which is a huge part of the problem. I hear frustrations from developers everyday where consenting is a lengthy and costly nightmare.
The Council must refocus to make sure that it is delivering core services and projects as a matter of priority. Rather than give up on Council and put up with its underperformance, let us elect strong and effective leadership needed to get Auckland moving and ahead of the game.
Vic Crone is a multi-sport competitor and has more than 20 years of business experience in IT and communications. She is a Mayoral candidate for Auckland.
