City's kids vote for playgrounds

The children of Auckland City want better playgrounds and less crime on their patch. More swimming pools would be nice and when it comes to what's cool, the Sky Tower and Auckland Museum rank high.

Those were some of the views expressed by children at the launch of the council's children and family policy, "growing up together", at Artstation in Ponsonby yesterday.

The policy aims to take a more co-ordinated approach to the facilities, services and activities the council provides to 80,000 or so children and their families, according to community and social policy planner Stephanie Jowett.

It could be as simple as giving a bit of spark to a road safety programme, brightening up a park or making sure children are catered for in new developments.

Stephanie Jowett was speaking at the former Newton police barracks, now the council-owned Artstation, that runs art classes for children, teenagers and adults. The launch coincided with a Pick Me Up and Hold Me exhibition of soft toys made by children.

Mayor Dick Hubbard said the problems with youth gangs in parts of greater Auckland made an investment in the city's young people and organising activities important to head off problems "as they head into those critical [teenage] years".

Mr Hubbard, who made an election pledge to address the social infrastructure of the city, rejected the suggestion that social issues were a matter for central government and councils should stick to roads, rates and rubbish.

"We could end up with a city where we had all the good assets, nice roads and railways and all of that, but if we haven't got the social infrastructure in place the city would become dysfunctional. I believe the city should have a compassionate note to it. There should be a sense of soul and a place for children and families," said Mr Hubbard.

He said the child and family policy, which involved 1000 children drawing pictures and answering questions, cost "tens of thousands of dollars" compared to the $10 million ratepayers were contributing to a $14 million Greenlane east upgrade due for approval at tonight's council meeting.

Cameron Brewer, general manager of the Newmarket Business Association and before that communications adviser to former Mayor John Banks, said the policy was a waste of time and a kick in the shins to ratepayers stung by steep rates increases.

"My 1400 commercial ratepayers in Newmarket will be sickened by this waste and waffle," said Mr Brewer.

Mr Hubbard said he respected the views of the Newmarket Business Association on economic development and physical infrastructure but said it was inappropriate for the association to dictate social policy.

The child and family policy was begun under Mr Banks and promoted by his Citizens & Ratepayers Now-controlled council to "advance a culture that considers children and families as key stakeholders in the city".