Summarised by Centrist
Auckland Minister Simeon Brown, also Minister for Transport, Local Government, and Energy, reflects on his first year in office.
Brown aims to reduce regulations and prioritise infrastructure projects to boost private investment and improve quality of life in New Zealand’s largest city.
Brown touts scrapping the Auckland Regional Fuel Tax, saving motorists 11.5 cents per litre, though critics, including Mayor Wayne Brown, warn it creates a $1.2b transport funding shortfall. The Minister counters, pointing to government-backed tax relief and a deal with Auckland Council that avoided a 25% rise in water charges.
Infrastructure is Brown’s main focus, with projects like the Waitematā Harbour Crossing, City Rail Link, and Northern Motorway extensions topping the list. “My focus is getting delivery… to help people get where they need to go quickly and safely,” Brown says.
However, Brown resists Auckland Council’s push for a levy to fund major events, citing his government’s no-tax-increase mandate. He does support increased activity at Eden Park, celebrating its expanded concert limit from six to 12 per year, though he suggests even more: “My view is it should be 20.”
By cutting red tape, Brown hopes to attract private investment and transform Auckland into a hub for major events and economic growth.
Brown told Stuff: “Rules and regulations often become the thing which blocks so much stuff and, as a government, we’re focusing on how we can get rid of rules and regulations which hold back private sector investment in our city.”
