Objective 2 - Develop world-class infrastructure and world-class urban centres

Large, densely populated areas with good infrastructure are more productive and innovative, enjoy higher wages, and attract people, capital and activity. Transforming Auckland into a world-class city-region requires infrastructure that supports a compact city, and enables it to be globally connected and to become a gateway to international trade and tourism.

Progress updates 

Plan for all infrastructure within the context of a single vision for Auckland

Update, May 2007.

The region's infrastructure needs are currently being considered in the context of ‘One Plan'. The work that is underway to deliver energy and broadband infrastructure complements this work.

Complete an energy prospectus

Update, May 2007.

Work is underway to secure the future of the region's energy supply. The Auckland Regional Council is coordinating a multi-party regional energy strategy, along with local councils and local energy providers. ‘Doug Heffernan, Chief Executive of Mighty River Power is championing the energy work-stream.

A series of research papers have been undertaken to support the development of a multi-party regional energy strategy, which will be based upon five areas:

• Secure electricity networks
• Renewable energy development
• Quality homes
• Commercial and public sectors
• Access and mobility (transport).

Fast-track widespread, high-speed broadband deployment and uptake

Update, May 2007.

AucklandPlus is facilitating the delivery of improved broadband infrastructure in the region. This action is being led by ‘Champions for Auckland' member Ross Peat, chair of ICTNZ and former managing director of Microsoft New Zealand.

Milestones to date:

• links with private sector to discuss broadband future in Auckland established
• participation in Auckland City's fibre advisory group ongoing
• research into barriers to wireless broadband solutions (especially RMA management) underway in partnership with ARC
• discussion with relevant business to identify skill needs required to roll out broadband in the region underway
• Auckland Councils Officers met to discuss Metro Project Broadband initiative Support gained.

Complete the CBD and Waterfront Development

Update, May 2007.

Auckland's CBD waterfront is one of Auckland's greatest assets, adding to the region's quality of life and economic prosperity. A vision for the waterfront's development was agreed in 2005 and its development is envisaged to take up to 20 years to complete.

The establishment of a specialist property development company to deliver the redevelopment of the Wynyard Quarter has been a significant milestone towards complete the waterfront development.

District plan changes are also underway to support the CBD and waterfront development.

Fast track town centre development

Update, May 2007.

An implementation-focussed review of the Regional Growth Strategy is now due for completion in July 2007, forming part of the wider effort to develop ‘One Plan' for Auckland.

The concept of town centres supporting a more efficient and liveable urban Auckland is central to the region's Growth Strategy, but the delivery of this outcome requires greater co-ordination of effort and investment between agencies (councils, social and infrastructure providers) coupled with a wider range of tools to incentivise development.

A range of technical reports have recently been completed. It is anticipated that the results will renew the focus on the importance of Auckland's CBD and centres. Emerging options for improving implementation will also include: refining the classification of centres and corridors; providing a framework for prioritising areas over the short term and actions to incentivise town centre development and redevelopment through improved planning processes and practices.