Phil Goff –
Voting papers would have now been delivered to your house.
If you have not already voted, please make an effort to do so.
It is really important.
Every one of us has an equal say in determining who will represent us in the roles of Mayor, Councillors and your Local Board and District Health Board.
It is about the future of our city, the direction towards which it should go and about ensuring that we have the leadership we need.
To me, the goals for Auckland are very clear.
We need strong efforts and advocacy to stop growing congestion gridlocking Auckland. With 800 new cars on the road each week in Auckland, congestion will get worse unless we put in place an efficient and convenient public transport system.
Unwanted position
With average house prices in Auckland now over $1 million Auckland has the unwanted position of being the fourth least affordable city in the world.
Young home seekers cannot afford the Kiwi dream of owning their own home.
Renters are struggling to cope with rent rises well above the level of overall inflation.
Homelessness is increasing. We have to increase the supply of housing, with the Auckland Council ensuring that there is enough land zoned for building and that the building consent process is efficient.
The government needs to help fund infrastructure to service the growth and ensure the building of more affordable and more social housing.
Improving performance
We need our city to be New Zealand’s best performing city.
That means an efficient Council that cuts waste and duplication.
It means changing the culture of Council so that it is transparent, responsive and accountable.
We have to sustain a city that is inclusive of and celebrates all cultures and faiths.
We should also be inclusive of all people regardless of their incomes, making sure that every child has a good start in life and can achieve to his or her full potential.
The Mayor cannot do that alone. He or she needs to work with the community to make the city a better place.
We also need a fairer share of the revenue that Government gains from growth in Auckland through its tax system to help meet the costs of providing for that growth.
Your vote can help provide a strong majority for the incoming Mayor, demonstrating to central Government that the Mayor has the mandate and the authority from the people of Auckland to act on their behalf.
Phil Goff is a candidate for Auckland Mayoralty.
