What is your vision for the city and does it include urban design, architectural, heritage, and planning policies?
My vision for Auckland is that it be seen as the success story of the South Pacific. In the mind of New Zealanders- the city of choice as a place to work and live; in the mind of tourists-the premier holiday destination.
This is achieved by making quality decisions that deliver long term results. It is achieved in co-operation with citizens not by simply telling them what to do. Auckland needs to pursue excellence in lifestyle and enterprise.
Buildings and spaces are an important part of our urban identity. They directly support both lifestyle and enterprise. My vision for Auckland does therefore include ideas (that may well become policies) in respect on planning and urban design.
What are your urban design, architectural, heritage, and planning policies? How important is this to you?
I would firstly say that I am not a planner, architect or other “expert”. I find it necessary therefore to start by saying that my starting policy is to take advice from those who are experts. I am going to rely on experts, not just my own opinion.
An example of how to do things the wrong way is the leaky homes disaster. Again and again architects raised concern about the likely problems of untreated timber and non-cavity building systems. If Government had taken the advice of experts at the coal face we could have limited the problem instead of ending up with a national disaster. Let’s not have to learn that lesson a second time.
My second policy relates to the now statutory requirement for a long term spatial plan for the city which will set the broad outline of how areas will develop. My view is that this be a relatively “big picture” document, flexible in nature without dictating detail or being unnecessary prescriptive on planning. I see requirements and guidelines are inevitably going to need to adjust anyway to a fast growing city with technology, transport options, and human preferences changing ever more quickly. I prefer not to inhibit creativity of architects and designers and would rather see projects assessed on their relevant merit instead of conforming to a prescriptive code.
With the above said, I do however believe heritage is worth preserving and support direct development/design controls in key heritage areas.
What mechanisms and funding will you put in place to give effect to these policies?
The first and major “mechanism” is to promote a forum of experts (Architects, planners etc.). I prefer an inclusive leadership style and I see the spatial plan especially as a document that needs input from experts first and foremost. It’s about listening and adopting the best ideas. I have no bias against taking good ideas from the private sector.
With regards to heritage buildings, I expect that partnerships with organisations such as the Historic Places Trust will continue.
In respect of funding there will be a need for the incoming council to assess and determine funding priorities. I envisage there will be tight fiscal restraints and some difficult choices to make. It is too early to say exactly what funding will be committed to what activities at this stage.
Above all else there is a need to have an “open door” for input from those that know the industry and work within it. If the city can work with the NZIA and other professional bodies it will be far more effective.