Crime 'uptick' in east, Molloy's quickfire launch, and Covid clouds focus

[padding] [If you are unable to view this message correctly, click here]( [padding] [stuff header]( [spacer] [padding] Hi {NAME}, [Two years of living in a global pandemic]( has understandably narrowed many peoples’ focus to getting through the next week, or sometimes even the day. The release of [Koi TÅ«’s report Reimagining Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland: Harnessing the Region’s Potential]( on how Auckland needs to lift its ambitions, and talk about where it wants to be in 70 years, was a sharp reminder of the past slide into short-term thinking. The year-long research, including hundreds of interviews, [is aimed at starting debate on what Auckland could and should be,]( rather than just what it can afford to be in the next year or three. The dozen years since [Auckland’s then-radical local body amalgamation]( have seen progress in a “much better than it would have been” way, but early ambitions have been dulled by reality. The Royal Commission which proposed amalgamation, had designs for formal ties between Auckland Council and the government, and a big social agenda – [both called for by Koi TÅ«]( - butwere stripped out by the National coalition which implemented the plan. The Auckland-government disconnect pointed to by Koi TÅ« has been a recurring theme in the past 12 years - [the arm wrestle over the City Rail Link,]( the shambles for several years around light rail, and the [on-again off-again second Harbour Crossing]( are just a few examples. Glimpses of bold plans have emerged, but rarely.The Southern Initiative’s [ambitious plan to lift Māori and Pasifika lives in south and west Auckland]( under a proposed recycling economy umbrella is a rare and overdue example of a focus on improving social equity. The report, commissioned by [the council’s economic and culture agency Auckland Unlimited,]( avoids looking back and floated nine areas that should be explored for attention. Improving social cohesion in one of the world’s most diverse cities is one, another is trialling new ways of getting Aucklanders engaged in decision-making, [rather than a low-turnout triennial election,]( and largely cookie-cutter consultation approaches. The world is full of cities building dramatically on their strengths to make them more desirable places to live in, move to,and to visit, Auckland needs to make sure it doesn’t get left behind. [padding] [user profile pic] [padding] Todd Niall [padding] Senior Stuff Journalist [padding] [spacer] [padding] [See more Auckland news]( [padding] [spacer] [padding] [Privacy Info]( [spacer] [Privacy Info]( [padding] [spacer] [padding] [spacer][Watch this video now]( [spacer] Shooting part of an 'uptick' in east Auckland crime [spacer] The east Auckland suburb of Glen Innes was rocked on Thursday, when [six people were shot]( in the early hours of the morning while celebrating a family birthday. It was the latest incident in [a spate of crimes and damage]( – from [dairies being ram-raided]( to a [car smashing into a girl's bedroom]( – in recent weeks. Auckland community leaders have said they are disappointed, but [“not surprised” by the escalating crime figures.]( [spacer] [Read More]( [padding] [spacer] [padding] [Privacy Info]( [padding] [spacer] [padding] More Auckland stories you might have missed [spacer][separator] [padding] [spacer] [padding] [Article Image]( [spacer] Auckland mayoralty: Fist-pumping Molloy's quickfire almost-launch [spacer] [Read more button]( [padding] [spacer] [padding] [Article Image]( [spacer] Iwi fights plan to shut urupā and marae in 'gated community for the wealthy' [spacer] [Read more button]( [padding] [spacer] [padding] [gArticle Image]( [spacer] Legal challenges against Auckland Council's local alcohol policy cost ratepayers over $1m [spacer] [Read more button]( [padding] [spacer] [padding] [gArticle Image]( [spacer] Auckland may be a frantic sprawl, but there's a lot to love about this city [spacer] [Read more button]( [padding] [spacer] [padding] [padding] [spacer][Support Stuff]( [spacer] [padding] Discover more at [spacer] [stuff logo] [spacer] [www.stuff.co.nz/auckland]( [padding] [spacer][footer bar] [padding] [spacer] You are receving this email because you are a opted in to receive the Your Auckland newsletter from Stuff. [Unsubscribe]( [Manage your profile]( [Privacy Policy]( Did a friend forward you this email? [Sign up to get Your Auckland in your inbox]( Stuff, 4 Williamson Ave, Ponsonby, Auckland, 1021, New Zealand [spacer] [padding]