Jane Nees BOP Regional Councillor www.janenees.co.nz

Regional councillors have been fortunate to receive a couple of presentations recently from staff at Auckland City Council.

There is no doubt that they have their act together and planning is well under way to make Auckland 'the most liveable city in the world”. Their Auckland plan is ambitious, but who could argue with the outcomes sought – a place that is fair, safe and healthy; a green Auckland that is beautiful and loved by its people, well connected and accessible, culturally rich and creative, that recognises Maori identity as its point of difference in the world, and which offers prosperity and opportunity.

The plan calls for transformational shifts including to: dramatically accelerate prospects of Auckland's children and young people, radically improve quality of urban living, substantially raise the quality of living of all Aucklanders and strongly commit to environmental action and green growth.

It contains clear direction and actions for the future that are now being implemented through the development of the Auckland Unitary Plan (combining a raft of district plans, policies and rules into one cohesive document).

Sitting alongside this are complementary documents such as the economic development strategy; the Auckland City Centre master plan; and a draft waterfront plan. They have all been very well thought-out, well-resourced and developed within short timeframes. You get the sense that Auckland is lined up and ready to fire.

As I walk out the door to discussions on SmartGrowth, our equivalent strategic growth management strategy, I can't help but feel the gap in capability and capacity. Bigger isn't better, but there are many lessons to be learnt from the Auckland experience.

If you have any views on this or any other issue, please contact me on neesj@xtra.co.nz or ring me on 07 579-5150. Or you can check out my website at www.janenees.co.nz