Auckland the world’s best little city

I love this city. It is a place of such enormous promise – founded on a remarkable gift between cultures; blessed with a stunning natural setting; small enough to fix, big enough to matter. 

I know we can build a thriving, inclusive, and beautifully green city on the Waitematā. The greatest small city on the globe – what’s stopping us? Why shouldn’t that be our aim?

More than any other ward, Waitematā & Gulf, home to the most urban and productive place in the nation, the Auckland city centre, needs to be represented by someone who sees the potential of cities in the 21st Century. Where there is the greatest pressure, there’s also the greatest opportunity.

Now, as we approach a population of two million, we need a change of mindset: cities are not just the problem, they are the answer. The issues of sprawl, traffic congestion, access to housing, water quality in our streams and harbours, climate change, social dislocation – these can all be addressed while growing the city in and up, beautifully. In fact this is the only way, for without growth there is no improvement. Endless spread outwards is unaffordable in every way, financially, environmentally, and socially.

This is also the best way to protect and enhance our greatest jewel - the stunning but increasingly lifeless Waitematā. With coordinated effort it can be teeming once more with wildlife for everyone’s benefit. 

By getting the city centre right, we also take pressure off the most valuable parts of our established suburbs. By improving public transport so that it becomes the obvious choice for more people more often, we can reduce congestion for those who drive, increasing the efficiency and effectiveness of all systems. 

I want young people to have the opportunities of previous generations; access to housing and jobs close to the action. Giving them the opportunity to stay here, as well as attracting talented and creative people from across the world too.

For this we need a city lover as councillor. I have lived in the ward all my adult life, I love it, but know it is not yet at its potential. Fifteen years ago I helped established Greater Auckland to push for better public transport and more homes in the right places. Since then I’ve been continuing that work through governance roles Waka Kotahi/NZTA, The Public Art Panel, and currently as deputy chair of the City Centre Advisory Panel.

I know how the system works, I know where it’s broken, and I know how to get things done. Auckland has so much potential, we need leaders with real ambition, grounded in practical skills. By focussing on delivering the real local benefits of real projects, right where we live, we can address the bigger more daunting problems - tacking climate change, addressing inequality, and boosting economic productivity.

Vote for me for a positive, constructive and experienced voice on council, and let’s get started in Waitematā.

Approved City Vision Gwen Shaw 027 414 4074