Today I made my own online submission to the Council. I think the plan is a massive improvement for Auckland. The Great Barrier Island Local Board has made its own contribution on the Plan, and I support the comments made in its submission.

I am committed to minimising Auckland’s waste output, and I will continue to work closely with local and national government as we head towards our goal of Zero Waste by 2040.

If you want more information on Auckland Council’s Waste Management and Minimisation Plan you can find it here on their website:

Nikki

This role will give me a greater policy and parliamentary workload. However, the role gives me a really exciting opportunity to help make real changes in both the education and science sectors.

This is a big job, but one that I’m proud to be given the opportunity. I look forward to working with some talented people on a range of issues this year.

I look forward to the challenge the role of chair offers, and as always, working hard for the people of Auckland Central.

If you would like some more information on the Education and Science Select Committee, or have something you would like to contribute, please feel free to email me at mp.aucklandcentral@parliament.govt.nz, or call my electorate office on (09) 378 2088.

Nikki

I am delighted to be re-elected as the Member of Parliament for Auckland Central. I want to acknowledge the  other candidates who stood for the seat, who all campaigned hard. Thank you to the volunteers to helped out in some way on the campaign – over 100 of you.

Most of all, thank you to the people of Auckland Central. I understand the responsibility and privilege that comes with being your MP, and I look forward to serving you for the next three years.

Best Wishes

Nikki

It is clear that unfortunately the Auckland Council’s first business case had significantly overestimated the benefits and impact on traffic volumes of this project.

However, while there is more work to be done, I personally believe this project will happen in the future and I am delighted that Government has supported the need for the Auckland Council to move to protect the route for the future.

I will be advocating that the Auckland Council initiate the Notice of Requirement process as soon as possible. I am keen to support the Auckland Council in their consultation with constituents and businesses potentially affected by the route.

I am keen to work with the Mayor and the Minister of Transport to further determine the full future transport needs of central Auckland. I support, as does the Government, the development of a robust multi-modal plan for future transport into the CBD, which includes a thorough analysis of all the alternative modes to transport.

ENDS

Photo attribution: kiwikeith.

With 75% of funds potentially coming from private sources and sponsorship, some would argue it is a bargain for the city to get a performing arts venue at such a low cost and in a relatively short timeframe. Even if the Auckland Council commit to the funds for this project, Auckland Theatre Company still have a big task to finish raising the funds to complete this.

Times are tight and the Auckland Council have had some fiscal challenges but that does not mean that you turn away a project that will provide a real public amenity for our Waterfront. We know that between 6000 and 7000 people will live and work in Wynyard Quarter in the future. The Theatre will be within walking distance of many residents within the Western Bays and a great amenity for the rest of the city.

The history of Auckland is inadequate investment and planning in cultural and community infrastructure. I believe that one of the problems of the past is that we have been unable to look far ahead as a city and ask not what we need now but what we will need in the next 20-30 years. Our Waterfront could be the best in the world but only if we have significant private and public investment.

People are right to ask the question how this venue fits in with the other cultural projects that need funding. I have said before that the restoration of the St James Theatre needs to happen but there is a lot of work to do before we can restore the jewel to her rightful place in our city. There are significant heritage issues and it is positive that the Mayor is getting an urgent report assessing ways to save the iconic St James Theatre. In addition to this the role of the Mercury Theatre needs to be properly considered.

Wynyard Quarter, our newest waterfront area to be unlocked, needs to have investment in cultural infrastructure and that development does not take away from the other cultural quarters of the city. To miss the opportunity to fund this project would cost Auckland in the long run. We can talk about having the most “Liveable city” but if we do not act on the opportunity when it arises then we can’t realise these aspirations. If the Auckland Council do not vote to support this project, ratepayers will be left with a much larger bill in the future.

I can only hope good sense prevails and the Auckland Council give the Auckland Theatre Company the support it and the city’s cultural sector needs.

ENDS

Great Barrier Island has approximately 40,000 visitors each year and is starting to become a real tourist destination.

The opening of the Community Heritage and Arts Village in 2009 and the new airport terminal late last year has helped provide a better visitor experience.

The Department of Conservation has also made a significant investment in the overnight walkway and the Mt Heale Hut.

The one piece of infrastructure that the local board, Ngati Rehua-Ngati Wai ki Aotea, schools and businesses all identified as crucial to economic and social development is better broadband and cellphone coverage.

While the package will not cover the whole island, it is hard to convey the extent of the huge positive change that this could bring to the island. This investment enables tourists to have cellphone and internet communication from landing at the airport to the end of their stay. Great Barrier Island children will now have the capacity to  develop digital literacy skills that would have previously been impossible.

There are hundreds of bach owners on Great Barrier Island who will also benefit from this package – their ability to work and stay extra nights on the island could also help contribute to the local economy.

I want to thank Jill Garing from the Digital Auckland Working Party and Paul Downie (Chair of the Great Barrier Local Board) for helping make this happen.

I look forward to continuing to work with all parties to help ensure this infrastructure is delivered as soon as possible for the island.

Fact sheet:

• Vodafone will build a new cell tower at Claris (near the airport) and Telecom will provide additional data capacity off the island.
• This will be one of the first Rural Broadband Initiative (RBI) funded towers to be built in the RBI six year programme.
• The new cell tower will use a combination of mains power and alternative energy sources.  This will be environmentally friendly and also provide a reliable source of power to keep the mobile network running.
• XT and 2Degrees will be able to put their mobile equipment too even though Vodafone will build the tower.