Aucklanders ought to be heard on governance

The Government’s decision to plough ahead with planned changes to Auckland’s governance without further consultation is unacceptable, say the Greens.

“Aucklanders deserve to have a say on the Government’s response to the Royal Commission’s report, as John Key promised during the election,” Green Party Auckland Issues Spokesperson Sue Bradford said today.

“We welcome the Government’s step towards improving democracy by replacing the proposed six vestigial councils with up to 30 Local Boards.

“However, unless these Boards are given a lot more power than was initially proposed, and unless those elected receive enough in the way of remuneration to do a decent job, it will be a pointless gesture.

“I am also apprehensive that this reform has the potential to cause substantial job losses at a time when unemployment is rising and new jobs are scarce.

“It is distressing that the three Maori seats recommended by the Royal Commission have been scrapped, undermining one of the more progressive features of the Commission's original recommendations,” Ms Bradford said.

Green Party Local Government Spokesperson Sue Kedgley added: “The Government’s proposed changes will mean a significant reduction in local representation, down 35 percent from current levels, and a huge concentration of power into the hands of the Mayor’s office.

"It is utterly objectionable that these sweeping proposals are rushed through into legislation without a proper, considered consultation with the people of Auckland. A rushed Select Committee process is not enough,” Ms Kedgley said.