Brown promises to deliver free entry to Auckland pools

Recently re-elected Auckland Mayor Len Brown is to push for free entry to Auckland Council swimming pools for all Aucklanders.

One of Brown's 10 main policy commitments, free swimming for all would extend a policy initiative advanced by Brown at the former Manukau City Council but which the recently formed unitary Auckland Council only adopted for under 16s.

Mayor Brown explained "free entry to swimming pools was a very successful initiative of the former Manukau City Council. It helps to promote water safety, exercise and healthy lifestyles. It is a great activity for families.

"In the last term, free entry to council pools was implemented across the region for all aged under-16s. If re-elected, I will propose that this be extended to all Aucklanders.

"There are costs but these can be reduced by looking at sponsorships and partnerships with the private sector to see that the costs to ratepayers is minimised. I will direct council to investigate options for implementing this policy at the lowest cost.

"While there was not enough support to have the policy extended across all Auckland for everyone in my first term, some local boards in the south of the region have maintained free entry for all by implementing a special rate.

"In a second term I believe it can be introduced across the entire region for all."

Mayor Brown added "much of what Auckland needs will only be achieved off the back of a strong economy. We must plan for growth. This will drive job growth, increase Aucklands productivity and exports, and generate greater levels of income. If re-elected, I will continue to focus on developing a more innovative economy while building links with our major trading partners in the Asia-Pacific region.

"Tourism is also an area the Council must focus on, alongside working with the government to tackle youth unemployment."