Thursday 17 May 2018

Auckland Mayor Phil Goff welcomes steps to address Auckland’s and New Zealand’s social and infrastructure deficit in this year’s Budget.

High population growth has put Auckland, in particular, under real pressure, with congestion, housing shortages and high living costs impacting on low-income households.

“We look forward to a fair share of the boost to education and health funding in this year’s Budget going towards Auckland’s schools and hospitals, both of which are under pressure from population growth,” said Mr Goff.

“Auckland’s population has been growing by more than 45,000 people a year; the size of Tauranga every three years.

“For too long, we’ve missed out on the level of investment from central government required to meet our critical infrastructure needs.

“We’re pleased to see the Government’s plan to build 1600 new state houses a year and 10,000 more affordable homes. We look forward to working with the Government to get more Aucklanders into warm, safe, dry homes.

“A boost in support for low-income families will help ensure all Aucklanders can share in our city’s prosperity.

“We also welcome the extra $4.6 billion of new government spending to go towards critical transport infrastructure in Auckland, agreed as part of the Auckland Transport Alignment Project. This represents the biggest ever single increase in funding for Auckland’s transport system, reflecting the scale of the city’s needs.

“Anyone who lives in or visits Auckland will know the extent of the city’s congestion issues. Enabling people to get out of their cars and into rapid, reliable, affordable public transport is critical to unclogging our roads, and is necessary to tackle the more than $1.3 billion in productivity losses to New Zealand caused by Auckland’s gridlock.

“Confirmation of the Government’s $100 million towards America’s Cup 2021 will help ensure we create a vibrant event and lasting legacy for the city.

“When Auckland does well, New Zealand does well. I look forward to continuing to work with the Government to ensure that New Zealand’s international city is world-class,” said Mr Goff.

ENDS

© Scoop Media