10 October 2013

Brown promises to deliver free entry to council pools

Auckland Mayor Len Brown says that if re-elected he will push for free entry to council swimming pools for all Aucklanders. The policy is one of his 10 main policy commitments.

“Free entry to swimming pools was a very successful initiative of the former Manukau City Council. It helps to promote water safety, exercise and healthy lifestyles. It is a great activity for families.

“In the last term, free entry to council pools was implemented across the region for all aged under-16s. If re-elected, I will propose that this be extended to all Aucklanders.

“There are costs but these can be reduced by looking at sponsorships and partnerships with the private sector to see that the costs to ratepayers is minimised. I will direct council to investigate options for implementing this policy at the lowest cost.

“While there was not enough support to have the policy extended across all Auckland for everyone in my first term, some local boards in the south of the region have maintained free entry for all by implementing a special rate. But in a second term I believe it can be introduced across the entire region for all.”

Mr Brown released his 10 core policy commitments which, alongside free entry to swimming pools, includes his commitments to fast-track construction of the Central Rail Link, keep average rate rises to 2.5 percent, and push for affordable housing as part of the Housing Accord with the government.

“Auckland faces some major challenges. We are now beginning to address the infrastructure deficit but much needs to be done. The Central Rail Link is the number one priority because it will effectively double the capacity of the suburban rail network. We need to start construction in 2016 to avoid gridlock in the city.

“Finalising the Unitary Plan and moving forward with the Special Housing Areas will begin to address the problem of unaffordable housing. This will allow us to unlock new land by fast-tracking consents for development while requiring developers to provide for low cost housing in exchange.

“Ratepayers want a fiscally responsible mayor setting the budgets for the region. In the first three years, while managing the demands imposed on us of moving to a single rating system, we have successively cut rate increases. This year we are limiting average rate rises to 2.9 percent. In a second term, I intend to continue to deliver average rate rises of around or less than 2.5 Percent.

“Much of what Auckland needs will only be achieved off the back of a strong economy. We must plan for growth. This will drive job growth, increase Auckland’s productivity and exports, and generate greater levels of income. If re-elected, I will continue to focus on developing a more innovative economy while building links with our major trading partners in the Asia-Pacific region. Tourism is also an area the Council must focus on, alongside working with the government to tackle youth unemployment.

“We can also deliver on environmental and infrastructure projects which will help to make Auckland the world’s most liveable city, including work on reducing carbon emissions, improving harbour water quality, and developing and protecting land for parks and recreation. Auckland’s waterfront is being transformed and this will continue to be a priority.

“My first term has been dominated by the challenges of amalgamating eight councils and authorities into a single Council structure. We have put in place the foundations for Auckland to move forward with unity on a number of significant projects. If elected to a second term, I will continue to focus on the issues which matter most to Aucklanders.”

Mr Brown urged people yet to vote to do so, saying that while it is now too late to post voting papers, people can still cast a vote by dropping their papers at all libraries and designated Auckland Council service centres (list is available at http://www.voteauckland.co.nz/how-to-vote/).

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