Before his election in October 2016, the Initiative hosted Phil Goff to explain his visions for the ‘City of Sails’. Now, half-way through his first term as Mayor, Phil Goff will give an update on his strategies for transport, housing affordability and urban development.

About the speaker

Phil Goff represented Mt Roskill for 10 terms of parliament.

He became New Zealand’s youngest ever cabinet minister in 1984. In his 15 years in cabinet, he covered a number of portfolios including housing, environment, and education.

In the Clark government, he was responsible for foreign affairs, justice, trade and defence. He was also Associate Finance Minister. He served as the leader of the Labour Party and the leader of the opposition.

As Minister of Education, Phil initiated New Zealand’s international education industry which is now worth over $3 billion.

He was also the first Minister of Trade of a developed country to negotiate a free-trade agreement with China and initiated the TPP trade agreement. Phil’s priorities are working with the government to tackle:

• housing unaffordability
• worsening traffic congestion in Auckland
• improving the performance of the council
• protecting and enhancing Auckland’s environment.

Phil’s vision for Auckland is an inclusive and diverse city where talent and enterprise can thrive.


Please contact Chelsy at chelsy.blair@nzinitiative.org.nz for further information. For more information about being a member please visit our Membership page.