Auckland Mayor Wayne Brown met with Opposition Leader Christopher Luxon, Opposition Transport Spokesperson Simeon Brown and Opposition Local Government Spokesperson Simon Watts in Auckland today.
They discussed the current economic and fiscal outlook including the need for Auckland Council’s Governing Body to fill its $270 million budget hole to avoid unaffordable rates increases on Auckland households and businesses.
The Mayor and Mr Luxon discussed Auckland Council’s legislation, with the Mayor emphasising the need to make Council Controlled Organisations (CCOs) and Ports of Auckland Ltd (POAL) more accountable and promote localism by devolving more decision-making powers to Local Boards.
The Mayor confirmed his opposition to central government’s current Three Waters proposal.
In discussing the public-transport crisis, the Mayor urged Mr Luxon and his team to support any moves by Immigration Minister Michael Wood to allow more qualified bus drivers into New Zealand.
The Mayor highlighted the importance of public transport in the city, particularly the Northwestern and Eastern busways, based on the success of the Northern Busway. The Mayor urged the Opposition to support the Government in unlocking the necessary central-government funds for work on the Eastern Busway to begin without further delay.
