By John Yu
Auckland super city mayoral candidate spoke recently with New Zealand Chinese language news site chinesetown.co.nz.
When asked what he would do differently if elected Mr Banks said he would attract more investment, stimulate economic growth, offer more job opportunities and more chances of success.
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He also stressed “progress in the development of affordable” and sustainable tax income.
He said the winning candidate would require great leadership and skill because the role of the first mayor will be quite complex. However, he says he is confident that his former career in politics will make sure he is competent for this position.
Mr Banks said one of his main strengths was that he was one of the only candidates who supported the super city from the beginning.
Mr Banks was also asked to compare himself to “man of the people” Len Brown. He replied that Auckland needs the executives who can make tough decisions like himself and not someone who might use their money for personal consumption.
On public transport, Mr Banks said he used to vote for a railway between the North Shore and Auckland International Airport but now did not believe it could be achieved in nine years. This was because Auckland’s economy was still recovering from the international financial crisis.
He talked about affordable progress and said the railway would be a long-term plan.
Mr Banks said he would make many changes related to areas with a high crime rate and gang presence and would not let crime spread to other areas of Auckland.
He said he would not let problems with alcohol get worse and pointed out that liquor shops were all over South Auckland.
On unemployment, Mr Banks said he would focus on investment , social security and education. He would not let 25 percent of young Maori and Pacific Islanders receive charity rather than work or study. He revealed a plan to build an international convention centre, which would offer many job opportunities.
The convention centre would be associated with the municipal building and would also be an ideal place for holding conferences and exhibitions.
3 News