A New Era for Manukau

Manukau City has chosen a new Mayor and is ready to move forward.

New mayor Len Brown said today that the people can look forward to a long period of growth and development that will build on the growth of the city over the last 23 years.

Mr. Brown said “The city is embarking on a very exciting future and I look forward to pursuing the direction set out in my campaign this year.”

Mr. Brown highlighted a number of key commitments made during the campaign such as placing a cap on rates increases and developing a public transport system that would enable the city to take a 50 year view looking forward. “I am very keen to begin discussing these matters with my council colleagues and working together with them,” said Mr. Brown.

“It is crucial that we re-establish confidence that the council can practice the kind of discipline that every householder and business throughout the city expects,” said Mr. Brown. “We are in a position to reduce our capital expenditure budget immediately and this will take a considerable load off our rates burden,” he said.

“I’m particularly keen to develop rapid rail in Manukau, to see bus lanes introduced on main arterial routes throughout the city and to see better ferry access at Half Moon Bay. Better transport means that Manukau will be easier to get around. Better transport will help to rejuvenate the towns that make up our city and it will also be good for business,” said Len Brown.

Other key directions the new Mayor will focus on include community safety. “I intend to put greater energy into getting on top of this issue together with my council colleagues,” said Len. “There is some good work underway in this area and I am keen to make sure it receives our full support,” he said. “The development of a sports plan and providing significant avenues for young people to channel their energy through sports, art and music is a particular interest of mine that I intend to pursue,” said Len. “I would like us to get rid of graffiti and start building positive contributions to the way young people think and feel about themselves and our city.”

Len Brown wants to continue to meet with the people of Manukau across the city on a weekly basis. “My door knocking throughout the campaign revealed a strong interest across the city for better communication with the council,” said Len. “I look forward to continuing this important part of being accountable as an elected member of the council and as Mayor,” he said.

The growth of the city and the sustainability of our environment is another urgent matter that will exercise the attention of the new Mayor. “We have a pressing need to develop a waste minimisation plan that will see us through the next 50 years,” said Len. “I look forward to promoting a study of workable “waste to energy” options for the city so we can identify ways to dispose of our waste more efficiently and at the same time harness its potential energy as a by-product,” he said.

Mr Brown said, “Waste minimization is a crucial element of moving Manukau forward as clean, green city and a leader in carbon reduction.”

Looking ahead Mr Brown commented, “I believe the secret to the next stage will be how we engage the people of our city. I am looking forward to continuing the conversation with Manukau on identified issues and future opportunities through the air waves, through face-to-face and in cyber space.”

He said that despite the reported apathy around local government, the campaign revealed a grass roots energy and a willingness of people to get involved in positive ways in the development of the city and its different communities. However they spoke of barriers to involvement and he regards those as needing to be removed so that there is meaning and purpose in their taking time to contribute to this next stage of growth.

He said, “Over the next three years I look forward to working closely with the people of Manukau City, mana whenua, tangata whenua, people from the many different ethnic groups, from business, young and our elders from all walks of life. Acting together with my council colleagues and council staff, you can expect positive progress on those things that are important to you, your families and to us all.”

ENDS

© Scoop Media