Transport blues emerge as main beef for Aucklanders

A survey shows Aucklanders think the most important thing about home is a clean and healthy environment and, while it should be easy to get around the region, transport rates worst.

As expected, the survey, required by various statutes and compiled by the Auckland Regional Council, contains no surprises but it goes towards painting the big picture of Auckland.

The region's seven city and district councils conducted the survey in August and September and got 3184 responses after survey details were delivered to Auckland households and people responded voluntarily.

It will be used by councils to help them identify what their communities want.

Most respondents were aged between 50 and 59 - under 29-year-olds made up about 45 per cent of the population but comprised only 12 per cent of the survey sample. More Pakeha - 81 per cent of the survey sample classed themselves as European, although they represented about 65 per cent of Auckland's population - replied than other ethnic groups and more females than males replied.

Most said they were in full-time work which was up to 30 minutes way from home. Travel by car was the most popular mode of travel, although 395 said they walked, 337 caught a bus, 82 travelled by train, 74 cycled and 53 caught a ferry. Mode of travel responses from 153 people were classed as "other."

The proportion of respondents in each council area was close to the proportions of Aucklanders living in each area, except for Manukau City.

Although Manukau City makes up nearly 25 per cent of the region's population, only 14 per cent of respondents, 440, come from the city.

Colleen Brown, chairwoman of the Manukau City Council strategic directions committee, which considered the survey this week, said the response from Manukau was "not flash ... but that is an issue we are just going to have to get our heads around." 

  The survey showed a clean sea, rivers, beaches and parks were important. Respondents also wanted a region with a robust economy, affordable housing and skilled and educated communities.

When respondents were offered the opportunity to comment, the result emphasised transport concerns were a leading issue. Over 40 per cent said they wanted more spending on public transport - more bus, train and ferry services and better bus stops, railway stations and park and ride facilities. Just over 10 per cent supported more spending on roads and motorways.

Nearly 7 per cent of repondents commented that councils should control spending and limit rate rises. More than 14 per cent said they were dissatisfied with the running of their councils. Decision-making, co-operation between councils and public consultation needed improvement.

WISH LIST FOR AUCKLAND

Over 40 per cent of Aucklanders surveyed said they wanted more spending on public transport - more bus, train and ferry services and better bus stops, railway stations and park and ride facilities.

Just over 10 per cent supported more spending on roads and motorways.