Fletcher Calls On Aucklanders To Be Proud To Be ‘JAFAs’

Mayoral candidate Christine Fletcher says it is time for Auckland to claim its place as one of the great cities of the world.

She says the city must build a long-term brand beyond the boom and bust construction cycle.

"It is critical to enhance Auckland's natural assets to make it a world class destination for the long term rather than an airport stopover on the way to other New Zealand attractions."

She says Aucklanders are ready to stand up and be proud of their city.

"We joke about being JAFAs but I'm observing a growing pride in being an Aucklander in this multi-cultural 'First City of the Pacific’. I'm proud to be called a JAFA," she says.

Christine Fletcher says Auckland City could take a leaf out of Waitakere City's book where everyone from the Mayor down is proud to be called a Westie.

She says being Just Another Fantastic Aucklander has started to take on a new meaning with Aucklanders accepting their image as being "out there", innovative and bold, but also demonstrating strong community values and a desire for a unified city.

"Let's build on that.

“Aucklanders are incredibly diverse, culturally and ethnically,” she said. “This weekend, as the Indian and Pakistani communities celebrate their nations’ independence, we should also acknowledge the huge contribution that they have made to our multi-cultural city.”

Christine Fletcher says John Banks has failed to lead the city into the future and dilly-dallied with "big noter" projects designed to make him look good but leaving the city with nothing.

"The problem is that Aucklanders are seen as a reflection of their leadership. Right now, if we are seen as arrogant JAFAs by the rest of the country, it's because our political leaders have behaved in that way," she says.

"However, the majority of Aucklanders don't behave like that, and don't like this interpretation."

"I pledge to lead this city in its development and bring together business and community interests to work together to propel Auckland onto the world stage."

She says Auckland is a unique city that has lost track of how great it really is.

"We have all the attributes of a sophisticated first world city of Europe or North America packed onto an idyllic Pacific Island. Who else in the world can claim that?"

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