I put out a statement today stating that Auckland transport decisions will need to be driven by the Mayor and Council, not the unelected, appointed board of the transport agency that is currently being established by the government.

Transport is a key issue for Aucklanders. I am campaigning on a strong commitment to public transport, delivering a CBD rail loop, an airport extension, a second harbour crossing, and completing the roading network.

Auckland needs a 21st century transportation system. The Mayor has a statutory responsibility to provide a vision for transport, and Aucklanders will expect the Mayor to deliver on that.

One of my first priorities, if elected, will be to appoint new directors of Auckland Transport, and to rewrite its statement of intent. I would insist on there being a direct report into the Mayor’s office, and a close relationship with the new Council’s transport committee. As Mayor, I will expect to be seeing all reports and all board papers.

Transport in Auckland has long suffered from a lack of funding and a lack of long-term planning and commitment. We have the opportunity to make decisions which will result in a transport system worthy of New Zealand’s largest city.

Auckland’s ratepayers will be holding the new mayor and council to account for the commitments which will be made around transport.

It seems obvious that if the mayor and council are going to make good on the commitments they make, they will need direct oversight.