Special Extended Interview: Mayor Len Brown With Selwyn Manning On Supercity, RWC, Ports, Rates, The PM, Sustaining Vision

Part One: Auckland’s Mayoralty – The interview examines the achievements and challenges of this first term Auckland Council from post election to current, focussing on establishing the supercity, Rugby World Cup, Ports of Auckland, maintaining the culture of the city’s new outer regions.

Part Two: Vision – The interview examines the first term vision of establishing an economic case for a modern rail network, establishing a 30 year plan for Auckland, and will notes how in August 2012 it was announced Auckland City is ranked number 10 in the Economist Index. At the time, the mayor tweeted: “there is still lots of work to be done to be the most liveable city” and listed these points:

An world class integrated transport system,
A quality compact city,
An economic powerhouse providing jobs for all our people,
Protection for our built and natural environment.

The interview examines what can be achieved, at what cost, and for what gain.

Part Three: The politics of cost and achievement – The interview explores a recent hike in rates, the Mayor’s statements that rates would rise on average 3.6% and would be capped to prevent rates increasing above 10%.

The Mayor is questioned on whether Prime Minister John Key is correct in stating Auckland Council failed to use all the tools it has at its disposal to minimise the impact a shift to capital valuation rates base would have on Auckland households.

It explores ideas of further reform or legislative amendment, and tests the political will and energy needed to sustain Auckland’s progress through the next term.

The Beatson Interview broadcasts weekly on Triangle TV and webcasts on LiveNews.co.nz.