Manukau venue set for historic council meeting

Auckland Council's Governing Body will meet in the Manukau Civic Building next Thursday (29 March) when it adopts the 30-year Auckland Plan to guide the region's future.

The Governing Body rotates its meetings across Auckland to enable local residents to see the council in action. The Mayor will lead the debate on the Auckland Plan emphasising proposed actions to address Auckland's housing crisis.

"We're completing stage one of a 30 year journey to make Auckland the world's most liveable city," says Len Brown.

"Signing off on the Auckland Plan is a major milestone after many months of research, consultation and debate. Now it's time to start putting the words into action.

"Last month we welcomed our 1.5 millionth Aucklander into the world. During the next 30 years we will have to house another million or more arrivals. They will help drive the Auckland and New Zealand economies to new heights but will require quality housing, good social services, and other essential infrastructure.

"That's where the Auckland Plan comes in. It is not a plan for the council. It's a plan for all of Auckland requiring everyone - central government, the private sector, community organisations and Aucklanders themselves - to actively take part.

"It is also a plan that the people have signed up for in their submissions, letters and comments to me. I have heard resounding support for the Auckland Plan."

The Mayor added: "Our aim is for a quality compact city - that means the availability and affordability of well-designed quality homes offering a range of housing types to meet differing needs. The Auckland Plan has the tools to deliver on that aim.

"I urge everyone to read the Auckland Plan and see it for what it is - a well-reasoned and bold strategy that will transform Auckland over the next 30 years into the world's most liveable city."