Special Extended IV: National MP Nikki Kaye Joins David Beatson To Talk About The Big Issues of 2012

1]      It’s just over a year since the election – the top 3 Auckland Central candidates all ended up in Parliament – how are you getting on?

2]      You expressed your wish to work closely with the Auckland Council on its plans. How’s that going?

3]      The mayor wanted changes to fast-track development of the Auckland Unitary Plan – did you support that?

4]      The mayor promoted a change that would see more upfront consultatation and then appeals confined to points of law. What’s wrong with that?

5]      Another of your priorities was “increasing housing” – The Finance Minister says the housing market isn’t working. What’s the plan to get it working?

6]      Your electorate is one of Auckland’s residential property hot-spots, with a big chunk of Auckland’s high value housing and high income households … How much scope do you see for additional affordable housing in Auckland Central?

7]      Where does housing fit in the range of issues that Auckland Central people are bringing to you? Are other matters more important?

8]      One of the major Auckland issues in the last year is the Casino-Conference Centre plan. What’s causing the delays with that?

9]      Do you approve of the trade-offs being sought by SkyCity Casino – more gambling activity to fund the convention centre?

10]    The Auckland Council and Central Govt seem to be seriously at odds on transport issues – particularly the priority for inner city rail development. What’s your role in managing those differences to get a solution?

11]    Another Auckland issue: the future of the port – What’s your view on the latest PriceWaterhouseCooper study findings?

12]    Your latest newsletter talks of wanting to unlock Auckland’s waterfront – how much more and for what?  

13]    In the pipeline now: another round of “Better Local Government” reforms – what are the implications for Auckland?

14]    Do you see a need for further structural change in the Auckland Council?

15]    Latest polls aren’t good news for the Government – how do you see that being turned round between now and the next election?

16]    What are your critical issues for the next year?

17]    You chair the Education & Science Select Committee currently inquiring into 21st century learning environments and digital literacy in school. What impact do you expect the Committee’s findings to make?

18]    What will you be doing over the Christmas break?

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