Take the taxes but give due share for development and transport.
That’s the message from Auckland mayor Phil Goff to the Government during a meeting with India NZ Business Council members on March 29 at the Auckland Institute of Studies.
Goff shared his vision on city development and gave his thoughts on the Free Trade Agreement with India.
He talked about planned public transport improvements, especially from the Auckland Airport to downtown Auckland, and emphasised Government support was required to do this.
“As Auckland is New Zealand’s only world-class city, central government also needs to pitch in to the cost of the development.”
If central government wants the share of the taxes, it has to give due share in funding for developmental work, the former Labour leader says.
“To keep this city world-class and pollution free, we need to take steps for making public transport more feasible and extensive.”
He also says Air New Zealand should have direct flights from India to New Zealand, starting with Mumbai to Auckland. This will not only help people with travel but also assist businesses and tourism to grow, Goff says.
Business council treasurer Bhav Dhillon says central and local government should work together more on Auckland’s development.
