22 May 2009

12.15pm

MEDIA RELEASE

Mayor Harvey congratulates the Government’s Auckland transition leaders

Waitakere’s Bob Harvey has come out in support of the new Auckland Transition Agency, saying “The Government’s announcement of the members to lead the Auckland Transition Agency will be a relief to the thousands of contractors and staff needing executive decisions, and to the multi-billion dollar major projects that councils have underway.”

“This is a delicate moment in New Zealand’s economy and we need a safe and knowledgeable set of hands to guide us through this”, said Mayor Harvey.

Mayor Bob Harvey particularly acknowledged Mark Ford to lead the Transition Agency, “Auckland’s transition has always needed someone with the street-knowledge of a London taxi driver and the executive clarity of a powerful local government leader, and Mark Ford is the man for that job.”

The Mayor commented on the work he had done with Mr Ford over many years. “To me it comes down to the little things, like his support through Watercare for the Waitemata Harbour Cleanup Trust. Mark and I saw that the harbour was part of Auckland’s broader water system and it needed to be part of a vision of sustainability for Auckland as New Zealand’s gateway. Mark’s support has been vital there.”

Commenting on Mr Ford’s position as ARTA Chairman, the Mayor commented “He has also been a strong supporter of the New Lynn transport interchange, which will completely transform a whole suburb of Auckland. His support through ARTA for the part-funding of this project has ensured that Waitakere continues a bold vision for urban sustainability in the western part of Auckland.”

“And it’s also great to see my old friend the previous Mayor of Rodney John Law also part of the Transition Agency”, said Mayor Harvey. John and I have worked together since we were in our early twenties for the New Zealand Herald. “John’s support for Waitakere was critical during the early stages of the Waitakere Ranges Heritage Act, which is now enshrined in law.”

Other members of the Auckland Transition Authority are John Waller, Miriam Dean QC, and Wayne Walden.

“Overall it is an impressive looking team who have a wide range of skills and I have every confidence they will steer this region through the challenges ahead.”

Ends

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