Latest news with #Aucklandat15
Scoop
07-05-2025
- Business
- Scoop
Auckland At 15 – Auckland Is United On What Matters Yet Divided On Delivery
Press Release – Auckland University of Technology A landmark digital survey released today reveals that while Aucklanders are strongly united on the city's big priorities — such as long-term infrastructure planning, environmental protection, and becoming a global innovation hub — many remain unconvinced the Super City model has delivered. The findings come as diverse Auckland's leaders gather for Auckland at 15, an event that examines the region's progress since the creation of the Super City in 2010 and calls for a new agenda to ensure the region is thriving, sustainable and globally competitive by 2040. The survey, Auckland@15: Shaping the next fifteen years, shows both shared vision and clear tension — particularly on transport and cultural identity — where support for progress exists alongside significant frustration with how change is being delivered. Most Aucklanders (76%) believe the city lacks a cohesive public transport vision – and while just 28% support sticking with private transport and putting up with congestion, that view reflects a deeply held divide. The University of Auckland's Complex Conversations Lab conducted the research as Auckland approaches 15 years as an amalgamated council. The innovative platform was used showing Aucklanders overwhelmingly support a long-term infrastructure plan (94%), and there is near-universal agreement on protecting the natural environment (up to 95%). However, only 53% of those surveyed believe amalgamation of the eight former councils has succeeded in unifying Auckland's voice, and just 18% feel they have influence over Auckland Council decisions. Cultural identity remains a sharp point of division with 64% of Aucklanders agreeing the region has a recognisable multicultural identity, however 29% are skeptical about further cultural investment. Hosted by Auckland University of Technology, the Committee for Auckland, Deloitte, and the Helen Clark Foundation, the Auckland at 15 event will feature four expert panels focused on legacy and political progress, global city success, Auckland's future-readiness, and defining the next 15 years. Minister for Auckland, Simeon Brown, and the Mayor of Auckland, Wayne Brown, will be joined by former prime ministers, Rt Hon Sir John Key and Rt Hon Helen Clark, alongside business and emerging young leaders, iwi, academics, and international experts. Committee for Auckland Director Mark Thomas said if Auckland does not reset its direction with a new agenda that focuses on bolder action, smarter investment, and much stronger global competitiveness it will continue to fall behind. 'We must learn more effectively from the best globally and have the courage to back bold, transformative ideas locally or risk continuing to lose the economic opportunity, talent, and quality of life we need to thrive. 'The annual State of the City report shows Auckland is already being overtaken by faster-moving global competitor cities. Without much clearer commitment from central and local government and their partners Auckland's standard of living and growth prospects will continue to suffer,' he said. Deloitte New Zealand Chief Executive Mike Horne said change is needed to help Auckland make more meaningful progress. 'Auckland has been incremental in what it has achieved since becoming a Super City 15 years ago. Being incremental isn't going to achieve what the city needs.' 'Auckland has a real opportunity to look at itself in a global context — if Auckland isn't competing globally, New Zealand will suffer. Now is the time for the city to look outward, focusing on connections and innovation, instead of looking in the mirror and rehashing its challenges.' Auckland University of Technology Vice-Chancellor Damon Salesa adds, 'AUT is acutely aware of the need for Auckland to succeed in the next 15 years and beyond. Our city will be home to the greatest number of international students, Māori and Pacific young people and indeed of all youth. They have enormous potential and deserve a city that provides education, infrastructure, and employment opportunities.' 'AUT is focused on partnerships to amplify the impact our university, students and academics can provide for Auckland and beyond so our city's people can thrive. This means focusing on our city's unique combination of talented people with diverse and cosmopolitan experiences and viewpoints.' Reflecting on the purpose of amalgamation, Helen Clark, Patron of the Helen Clark Foundation, said that there had been concern that Auckland's potential could not be maximised with its governance dispersed across a number of territorial councils. 'The Royal Commission was established to look at better options, and I have no doubt that the single city has been the right outcome,' she said. Auckland at 15 is being described by organisers as a catalyst for sustained action, partnerships, and dialogue about Auckland's direction. Key deliverables from the event include an annual legacy youth event hosted by AUT, and a mentoring programme for aspiring youth leaders provided by Committee for Auckland from its Future Auckland Leaders' Alumni. Deloitte will produce a written summary of the event and Auckland Council's Auckland Conversations will make the full recording of the event available. In April 2025, Aucklanders were invited to share their views and vote on others' ideas in the survey 'Auckland @15: Shaping the next fifteen years' #It was conducted via a dynamic online platform that reveals areas of common ground as the conversation evolves. This is a type of 'wiki-survey'. It is shaped by the participants themselves. It provides rich knowledge about group support for ideas in a way that helps to identify common ground among diverse. How it works: The conversation was initially framed by a set of 25 'seed' statements covering a range of issues relevant to the topic Participants contribute by voting on statements (agree/disagree/pass) and by adding their own statements for others to vote on. Those who vote similarly on multiple statements are grouped together to form an 'opinion group' Automated opinion mapping finds areas of common ground while also identifying differences between opinion groups helps identify the different ways people think about issues that affect them and their communities 575 Aucklanders actively participated in the conversation, which generated over 46,000 votes and nearly 1,000 crowd-sourced statements, providing a rich digital snapshot of Aucklanders' sentiments on the state of their city This is an initial release of the headline survey information. A further full report will be available from University of Auckland in due course. Survey summary findings: Cultural Identity and Diversity: Cultural identity remains a sharp point of division however 64% agree Auckland has a recognisable, multicultural identity. Around 70% strongly support celebrating Auckland's Māori and Pacific heritage and investing in cultural diversity and the arts. About 30% expressed caution or scepticism about prioritising further cultural investment. Environment Protection and Sustainability Action: Up to 95% support stronger environmental protections, including improved water quality and urban greenery. 87% think Auckland's trees and urban greenery need better protection to stop our suburbs becoming unappealing, hot and sensitive to flooding. Decision making capacity and engagement: Only 53% overall felt amalgamation successfully unified Auckland's voice to central government. Only 18% felt connected to Council decision-making and just 20% felt amalgamation had improved public engagement. Only 32% think Council is providing more strategic and region-wide responses to problems, with most saying there are more ad hoc responses, Housing and Urban Development: 91% of those surveyed believe housing intensification must be balanced with green spaces and liveability. 90% Participants expressed support for high-quality, best-practice high density development in appropriate locations with supporting services like public transport. Infrastructure Planning: 94% support a long-term infrastructure strategy that transcends political cycles. 93% think Auckland needs to consider retreating from flood-prone areas and should prohibit new building in these locations. 92% think infill housing development needs to be balanced with green spaces and community amenities. Innovation and Economic Development: 77% believe Auckland must position itself as a global innovation city to attract talent and strengthen its economy. 77% also believe Auckland must position itself as a global innovation city to attract talent and strengthen its economy but expressed concern that the city doesn't maximise this advantage compared to overseas cities.' Transport: 61% think reducing congestion should be Auckland's top transport priority, even if it means introducing charges on some roads at times when they are most congested. 60% think it's easier to get around Auckland on public transport than it used to be.
Newsroom
07-05-2025
- Business
- Newsroom
Auckland: is it NZ's super power or too ambitious by half?
The two Prime Ministers who put parts of Auckland through a shotgun marriage into the Super City 15 years ago say the city's residents are clearly better off, yet more needs to be done to improve its funding and representation. Helen Clark and John Key were part of a historic lineup of political leaders, executives and movers and shakers who have shaped the Super City, which marked its first decade-and-a-half in a mini-summit high above the Waitematā Harbour on Wednesday. Current political leaders Wayne Brown, the city mayor, and Simeon Brown, the Minister for Auckland, joined the former Prime Ministers in assessing the merits of the big merger in 2010, and outlining what is needed to advance Auckland in its next 15 years. The three national politicians are Aucklanders; Wayne Brown is a Northlander in spirit. All agree our one international-scale city has its own needs and potential solutions. Wayne Brown confirmed he's not visited Wellington in the 30 months since taking office 'and I don't want to go there … I'm worried that the thinking might be contagious'. But he claimed 'the muscle is being felt without me having to visit there'. Simeon Brown agreed Auckland needed a stronger local voice but defended the central government's need to direct where money is spent, given its level of taxpayer funding into roads and infrastructure. The two Browns could not agree on one policy – the mayor (supported by Key and Clark) said a tourist bed night levy was needed to fund events and initiatives, the minister flatly ruled it out this term as the Government had not promised it at the last election. Auckland is currently $7m short for the coming financial year in covering promotion of major events for the city and Wayne Brown has been relying on the Government approving the bed night levy to cover that cost. Business groups, venues including Eden Park and hospitality outlets say it's urgent Auckland is provided means to restore that investment. 'All it requires is permitting legislation. No money required,' Wayne Brown told Simeon Brown. The minister was unmoved: 'We've said it's not something we're doing this term. I get the arguments but that's the decision we've come to.' That exchange at the Auckland at 15 summit, hosted by Deloitte, the Helen Clark Foundation and the Committee for Auckland, got to the core of political differences over how Auckland develops for its next 15 years. Key pushed for new thinking on financing Auckland's development. 'Here's the thing for a place like Auckland. When you really talk about the city being better, you need stronger infrastructure. That's the bottom line.' He said the mayor had only one real tool, rates. 'He's done a really good job … and as a former chairman of ANZ and former Prime Minister, there's a real challenge in the [council's] balance sheet.' Key argued Auckland's politicians should be allowed by central government to implement, say, a congestion charge as part of transport policy. 'Councillors should design that and live or die on the back of it' with Auckland voters at subsequent elections. The city would be held back 'if you do not sort out the money somehow and give them more levers', he said, with Simeon Brown three seats away. Auckland Mayor Wayne Brown brought his campaign sign with him to the Auckland at 15 event marking the Super City's foundation. Photo: Tim Murphy Key's government implemented aspects of the royal commission into Auckland governance that Clark's government had begun. Clark noted 1980s Labour internal affairs minister Michael Bassett had reformed local government to reduce 34 local bodies in Auckland to seven before her government set up the royal commission which recommended the one super city. 'Are we better off? Of course we are. But we always strive to get more out of it.' Responding to both Browns and former Auckland Council chief executive Doug McKay suggesting the 20 councillors should be elected by voters region-wide, not in local wards, Clark advocated a degree of caution. In the former Auckland City Council, with councillors selected by all ratepayers from one contest, the 'biggest group' came to over-dominate city affairs. She didn't name it, but was referring to the National-aligned group C&R. 'Wards split that up a bit,' she said, suggesting if further reforms were to have voters selecting region-wide councillors, the voting system would need to be on a single transferable vote basis to prevent 'a winner takes all.' She believed some reform was possible, with 21 local boards 'probably' being too high. But she cautioned against them being made so large that they effectively recreated the old territorial local bodies that the big merger in 2010 eliminated. 'They need to be a brokerage between citizens and the council.' Simeon Brown did say a law change to allow Auckland Council more say on the 30-year transport plan was due mid-year, and that his ministerial colleague Chris Bishop was driving legislative changes on 'long-term charges we might put on developments to unlock growth nodes in Auckland.' There was also a 'mature' approach being taken to a possible city deal for Auckland in which the Crown and council would agree long-term plans and funding paths. His other advice on the financial challenges? Don't think too big, too super. Debt had risen from $5 billion to $14b-plus in the Super City's time and the council's wage bill had gone up 67 percent. 'There's a real need for the council to focus on the basics, that solutions put forward are fit for purpose. 'We are a big city but we are not a New York or Tokyo. We have to make sure our aspirations fit our size.' Wayne Brown used his speech to emphasise Auckland's differences with the rest of New Zealand, rather than the world – and said Auckland had enough scale to help solve international trade challenges with overseas city economies 'outside the Trump tariff wars'. He offered to lead trade delegations and fix not just Auckland but New Zealand. 'Auckland is a big thing. Overseas people recognise that. When I go overseas with Todd [McClay, the trade minister], who I like, he does not get to see people I get to see.' At home, Brown wants a change to a one-size-fits-all approach to local government. 'We share little in common with most councils,' Brown said 'The dysfunctional city of Wellington still has too much sway.' He complained about central government's requirement for policies to have 'national consistency … as if Huntly needs a bed tax. Waikato has got mayors in places I didn't know. I had never heard of Piako. Otorohanga has a mayor and it's the size of Kaitaia, and they don't need a mayor. 'We do not want national consistency,' he told the minister, other than for requirements such as driving on the left-hand side of the road. 'That's a good idea.' Conversely, Wayne Brown outlined policy areas Auckland could influence on a national scale, such as immigration. 'We need to have some say, to know what the numbers are going to be, almost need to have a say on what types of people. We don't need any more Uber drivers.' Clark said in the next 15 years Auckland needed to remember that liveable cities were 'about more than roads, bridges and infrastructure. They are also about character, how we cohere as communities. 'Is it sensible to be spreading the way we are? That city at Pokeno got away because it was over in the Waikato council. The traffic jams that used to be at Manurewa are now out at Ramarama. Endless sprawl is not what we want.' Both she and Key supported housing densification, within certain bounds. Key said Auckland didn't need massive skyscraper apartment buildings as in Hong Kong or Singapore, but young people needed access to mid-level units costing between $700,000 and $1m. The City Rail Link with two new underground stations is set to open early in 2026. Image Supplied Urging boldness from both central and local government leaders in a 'joined-up' way, the former PM revealed he had made a critical intervention to ensure the $5 billion-plus City Rail Link underground train project was approved. 'I kind of strong-armed Bill [English, finance minister] and Steven [Joyce, economic development minister] to be bold, to put money in.' There had been different views, between needing infrastructure and 'are we doing too much?' Key said in the absence of his urgings 'it would never have been built … I guarantee when things are operating in five years, people will forget all that and think it's great'. On a later panel, Key's transport minister at the time, Simon Bridges, who is now chief executive of the Auckland Business Chamber, had a slightly more nuanced recall of the government's City Rail Link decision. In 'my version of history' there were three key players: himself, the founding Super City mayor Len Brown and Key. 'Len Brown wore me down … Bill and Steven were the hopeless cases, there was no chance. So I wheedled my way around them to John. He was a kind-of softie on these things and we got there.' Bridges pointed to the value of his regular meetings with Len Brown. 'It required regular meetings between the political leadership. You are not going to get the alignment if you don't have those.' But, recalling Wayne Brown's aversion to visiting the capital, Bridges added: 'You don't need to go to Wellington, but it does need to happen.'
Scoop
07-05-2025
- Business
- Scoop
Auckland At 15 – Auckland Is United On What Matters Yet Divided On Delivery
Press Release – Auckland University of Technology Latest research sets scene for a new Auckland agenda. A landmark digital survey released today reveals that while Aucklanders are strongly united on the city's big priorities — such as long-term infrastructure planning, environmental protection, and becoming a global innovation hub — many remain unconvinced the Super City model has delivered. The findings come as diverse Auckland's leaders gather for Auckland at 15, an event that examines the region's progress since the creation of the Super City in 2010 and calls for a new agenda to ensure the region is thriving, sustainable and globally competitive by 2040. The survey, Auckland@15: Shaping the next fifteen years, shows both shared vision and clear tension — particularly on transport and cultural identity — where support for progress exists alongside significant frustration with how change is being delivered. Most Aucklanders (76%) believe the city lacks a cohesive public transport vision – and while just 28% support sticking with private transport and putting up with congestion, that view reflects a deeply held divide. The University of Auckland's Complex Conversations Lab conducted the research as Auckland approaches 15 years as an amalgamated council. The innovative platform was used showing Aucklanders overwhelmingly support a long-term infrastructure plan (94%), and there is near-universal agreement on protecting the natural environment (up to 95%). However, only 53% of those surveyed believe amalgamation of the eight former councils has succeeded in unifying Auckland's voice, and just 18% feel they have influence over Auckland Council decisions. Cultural identity remains a sharp point of division with 64% of Aucklanders agreeing the region has a recognisable multicultural identity, however 29% are skeptical about further cultural investment. Hosted by Auckland University of Technology, the Committee for Auckland, Deloitte, and the Helen Clark Foundation, the Auckland at 15 event will feature four expert panels focused on legacy and political progress, global city success, Auckland's future-readiness, and defining the next 15 years. Minister for Auckland, Simeon Brown, and the Mayor of Auckland, Wayne Brown, will be joined by former prime ministers, Rt Hon Sir John Key and Rt Hon Helen Clark, alongside business and emerging young leaders, iwi, academics, and international experts. Committee for Auckland Director Mark Thomas said if Auckland does not reset its direction with a new agenda that focuses on bolder action, smarter investment, and much stronger global competitiveness it will continue to fall behind. 'We must learn more effectively from the best globally and have the courage to back bold, transformative ideas locally or risk continuing to lose the economic opportunity, talent, and quality of life we need to thrive. 'The annual State of the City report shows Auckland is already being overtaken by faster-moving global competitor cities. Without much clearer commitment from central and local government and their partners Auckland's standard of living and growth prospects will continue to suffer,' he said. Deloitte New Zealand Chief Executive Mike Horne said change is needed to help Auckland make more meaningful progress. 'Auckland has been incremental in what it has achieved since becoming a Super City 15 years ago. Being incremental isn't going to achieve what the city needs.' 'Auckland has a real opportunity to look at itself in a global context — if Auckland isn't competing globally, New Zealand will suffer. Now is the time for the city to look outward, focusing on connections and innovation, instead of looking in the mirror and rehashing its challenges.' Auckland University of Technology Vice-Chancellor Damon Salesa adds, 'AUT is acutely aware of the need for Auckland to succeed in the next 15 years and beyond. Our city will be home to the greatest number of international students, Māori and Pacific young people and indeed of all youth. They have enormous potential and deserve a city that provides education, infrastructure, and employment opportunities.' 'AUT is focused on partnerships to amplify the impact our university, students and academics can provide for Auckland and beyond so our city's people can thrive. This means focusing on our city's unique combination of talented people with diverse and cosmopolitan experiences and viewpoints.' Reflecting on the purpose of amalgamation, Helen Clark, Patron of the Helen Clark Foundation, said that there had been concern that Auckland's potential could not be maximised with its governance dispersed across a number of territorial councils. 'The Royal Commission was established to look at better options, and I have no doubt that the single city has been the right outcome,' she said. Auckland at 15 is being described by organisers as a catalyst for sustained action, partnerships, and dialogue about Auckland's direction. Key deliverables from the event include an annual legacy youth event hosted by AUT, and a mentoring programme for aspiring youth leaders provided by Committee for Auckland from its Future Auckland Leaders' Alumni. Deloitte will produce a written summary of the event and Auckland Council's Auckland Conversations will make the full recording of the event available. In April 2025, Aucklanders were invited to share their views and vote on others' ideas in the survey 'Auckland @15: Shaping the next fifteen years' #It was conducted via a dynamic online platform that reveals areas of common ground as the conversation evolves. This is a type of 'wiki-survey'. It is shaped by the participants themselves. It provides rich knowledge about group support for ideas in a way that helps to identify common ground among diverse. How it works: The conversation was initially framed by a set of 25 'seed' statements covering a range of issues relevant to the topic Participants contribute by voting on statements (agree/disagree/pass) and by adding their own statements for others to vote on. Those who vote similarly on multiple statements are grouped together to form an 'opinion group' Automated opinion mapping finds areas of common ground while also identifying differences between opinion groups helps identify the different ways people think about issues that affect them and their communities 575 Aucklanders actively participated in the conversation, which generated over 46,000 votes and nearly 1,000 crowd-sourced statements, providing a rich digital snapshot of Aucklanders' sentiments on the state of their city This is an initial release of the headline survey information. A further full report will be available from University of Auckland in due course. Survey summary findings: Cultural Identity and Diversity: Cultural identity remains a sharp point of division however 64% agree Auckland has a recognisable, multicultural identity. Around 70% strongly support celebrating Auckland's Māori and Pacific heritage and investing in cultural diversity and the arts. About 30% expressed caution or scepticism about prioritising further cultural investment. Environment Protection and Sustainability Action: Up to 95% support stronger environmental protections, including improved water quality and urban greenery. 87% think Auckland's trees and urban greenery need better protection to stop our suburbs becoming unappealing, hot and sensitive to flooding. Decision making capacity and engagement: Only 53% overall felt amalgamation successfully unified Auckland's voice to central government. Only 18% felt connected to Council decision-making and just 20% felt amalgamation had improved public engagement. Only 32% think Council is providing more strategic and region-wide responses to problems, with most saying there are more ad hoc responses, Housing and Urban Development: 91% of those surveyed believe housing intensification must be balanced with green spaces and liveability. 90% Participants expressed support for high-quality, best-practice high density development in appropriate locations with supporting services like public transport. Infrastructure Planning: 94% support a long-term infrastructure strategy that transcends political cycles. 93% think Auckland needs to consider retreating from flood-prone areas and should prohibit new building in these locations. 92% think infill housing development needs to be balanced with green spaces and community amenities. Innovation and Economic Development: 77% believe Auckland must position itself as a global innovation city to attract talent and strengthen its economy. 77% also believe Auckland must position itself as a global innovation city to attract talent and strengthen its economy but expressed concern that the city doesn't maximise this advantage compared to overseas cities.' Transport: 61% think reducing congestion should be Auckland's top transport priority, even if it means introducing charges on some roads at times when they are most congested. 60% think it's easier to get around Auckland on public transport than it used to be.
Scoop
07-05-2025
- Business
- Scoop
Auckland At 15 - Auckland Is United On What Matters Yet Divided On Delivery
A landmark digital survey released today reveals that while Aucklanders are strongly united on the city's big priorities — such as long-term infrastructure planning, environmental protection, and becoming a global innovation hub — many remain unconvinced the Super City model has delivered. The findings come as diverse Auckland's leaders gather for Auckland at 15, an event that examines the region's progress since the creation of the Super City in 2010 and calls for a new agenda to ensure the region is thriving, sustainable and globally competitive by 2040. The survey, Auckland@15: Shaping the next fifteen years, shows both shared vision and clear tension — particularly on transport and cultural identity — where support for progress exists alongside significant frustration with how change is being delivered. Most Aucklanders (76%) believe the city lacks a cohesive public transport vision – and while just 28% support sticking with private transport and putting up with congestion, that view reflects a deeply held divide. The University of Auckland's Complex Conversations Lab conducted the research as Auckland approaches 15 years as an amalgamated council. The innovative platform was used showing Aucklanders overwhelmingly support a long-term infrastructure plan (94%), and there is near-universal agreement on protecting the natural environment (up to 95%). However, only 53% of those surveyed believe amalgamation of the eight former councils has succeeded in unifying Auckland's voice, and just 18% feel they have influence over Auckland Council decisions. Cultural identity remains a sharp point of division with 64% of Aucklanders agreeing the region has a recognisable multicultural identity, however 29% are skeptical about further cultural investment. Hosted by Auckland University of Technology, the Committee for Auckland, Deloitte, and the Helen Clark Foundation, the Auckland at 15 event will feature four expert panels focused on legacy and political progress, global city success, Auckland's future-readiness, and defining the next 15 years. Minister for Auckland, Simeon Brown, and the Mayor of Auckland, Wayne Brown, will be joined by former prime ministers, Rt Hon Sir John Key and Rt Hon Helen Clark, alongside business and emerging young leaders, iwi, academics, and international experts. Committee for Auckland Director Mark Thomas said if Auckland does not reset its direction with a new agenda that focuses on bolder action, smarter investment, and much stronger global competitiveness it will continue to fall behind. "We must learn more effectively from the best globally and have the courage to back bold, transformative ideas locally or risk continuing to lose the economic opportunity, talent, and quality of life we need to thrive. 'The annual State of the City report shows Auckland is already being overtaken by faster-moving global competitor cities. Without much clearer commitment from central and local government and their partners Auckland's standard of living and growth prospects will continue to suffer," he said. Deloitte New Zealand Chief Executive Mike Horne said change is needed to help Auckland make more meaningful progress. "Auckland has been incremental in what it has achieved since becoming a Super City 15 years ago. Being incremental isn't going to achieve what the city needs." "Auckland has a real opportunity to look at itself in a global context — if Auckland isn't competing globally, New Zealand will suffer. Now is the time for the city to look outward, focusing on connections and innovation, instead of looking in the mirror and rehashing its challenges." Auckland University of Technology Vice-Chancellor Damon Salesa adds, "AUT is acutely aware of the need for Auckland to succeed in the next 15 years and beyond. Our city will be home to the greatest number of international students, Māori and Pacific young people and indeed of all youth. They have enormous potential and deserve a city that provides education, infrastructure, and employment opportunities." "AUT is focused on partnerships to amplify the impact our university, students and academics can provide for Auckland and beyond so our city's people can thrive. This means focusing on our city's unique combination of talented people with diverse and cosmopolitan experiences and viewpoints.' Reflecting on the purpose of amalgamation, Helen Clark, Patron of the Helen Clark Foundation, said that there had been concern that Auckland's potential could not be maximised with its governance dispersed across a number of territorial councils. 'The Royal Commission was established to look at better options, and I have no doubt that the single city has been the right outcome,' she said. Auckland at 15 is being described by organisers as a catalyst for sustained action, partnerships, and dialogue about Auckland's direction. Key deliverables from the event include an annual legacy youth event hosted by AUT, and a mentoring programme for aspiring youth leaders provided by Committee for Auckland from its Future Auckland Leaders' Alumni. Deloitte will produce a written summary of the event and Auckland Council's Auckland Conversations will make the full recording of the event available. In April 2025, Aucklanders were invited to share their views and vote on others' ideas in the survey 'Auckland @15: Shaping the next fifteen years' #It was conducted via a dynamic online platform that reveals areas of common ground as the conversation evolves. This is a type of 'wiki-survey'. It is shaped by the participants themselves. It provides rich knowledge about group support for ideas in a way that helps to identify common ground among diverse. How it works: The conversation was initially framed by a set of 25 'seed' statements covering a range of issues relevant to the topic Participants contribute by voting on statements (agree/disagree/pass) and by adding their own statements for others to vote on. Those who vote similarly on multiple statements are grouped together to form an 'opinion group' Automated opinion mapping finds areas of common ground while also identifying differences between opinion groups helps identify the different ways people think about issues that affect them and their communities 575 Aucklanders actively participated in the conversation, which generated over 46,000 votes and nearly 1,000 crowd-sourced statements, providing a rich digital snapshot of Aucklanders' sentiments on the state of their city This is an initial release of the headline survey information. A further full report will be available from University of Auckland in due course. Survey summary findings: Cultural Identity and Diversity: Cultural identity remains a sharp point of division however 64% agree Auckland has a recognisable, multicultural identity. Around 70% strongly support celebrating Auckland's Māori and Pacific heritage and investing in cultural diversity and the arts. About 30% expressed caution or scepticism about prioritising further cultural investment. Environment Protection and Sustainability Action: Up to 95% support stronger environmental protections, including improved water quality and urban greenery. 87% think Auckland's trees and urban greenery need better protection to stop our suburbs becoming unappealing, hot and sensitive to flooding. Decision making capacity and engagement: Only 53% overall felt amalgamation successfully unified Auckland's voice to central government. Only 18% felt connected to Council decision-making and just 20% felt amalgamation had improved public engagement. Only 32% think Council is providing more strategic and region-wide responses to problems, with most saying there are more ad hoc responses, Housing and Urban Development: 91% of those surveyed believe housing intensification must be balanced with green spaces and liveability. 90% Participants expressed support for high-quality, best-practice high density development in appropriate locations with supporting services like public transport. Infrastructure Planning: 94% support a long-term infrastructure strategy that transcends political cycles. 93% think Auckland needs to consider retreating from flood-prone areas and should prohibit new building in these locations. 92% think infill housing development needs to be balanced with green spaces and community amenities. Innovation and Economic Development: 77% believe Auckland must position itself as a global innovation city to attract talent and strengthen its economy. 77% also believe Auckland must position itself as a global innovation city to attract talent and strengthen its economy but expressed concern that the city doesn't maximise this advantage compared to overseas cities.' Transport: 61% think reducing congestion should be Auckland's top transport priority, even if it means introducing charges on some roads at times when they are most congested. 60% think it's easier to get around Auckland on public transport than it used to be. 56% think cycling and pedestrian access need more investment.
