8. PHIL TWYFORD (Labour) Link to this
to the Minister of Local Government
When he said “Auckland’s fragmented governance has meant a lack [of] leadership and vision, but soon its leaders will be able to think regionally, plan strategically and act decisively”, did he mean only if they agree with the Government’s plan for Auckland?
Hon JOHN CARTERDoes he agree with the Prime Minister that “Aucklanders who go to London in my experience get on the Tube. That’s because it’s there, it’s efficient, and it’s cost effective.”; if so, why is the Government not supporting the Auckland Council’s plan for a central city rail link?
The Government is aware of the fact that a number of options are on the table. They have been put forward by the mayor and the Auckland Council. We are looking forward to working constructively with the Auckland Council.
In that case, why did he sign out as Minister of Local Government a Cabinet paper that pours cold water on the Auckland Council’s plans for a world-class transport system, when the Government passed legislation last year that requires the Mayor of Auckland to develop a vision for Auckland?
I say again that the Government is aware of the vision the Mayor of Auckland and the Auckland Council have, and it is looking forward to working constructively with them.
Why, when he has said countless times that his reforms will allow Auckland to speak with one voice, does he refuse to listen to what Auckland is saying, with the new council saying that the “Holiday Highway” is not a priority but the central city rail link is?
That is just one of the options that are on the table. We are looking forward to working constructively with the Auckland Council.
Does he disagree with Rod Oram that the Government’s view “is that we should just ooze out over the landscape in very low density ways and therefore the only answer’s roads”, simply to please his property developer and road building mates, or is there another reason?