The People Take Over The Public Forum

Mayor John Banks did not even step inside the Council Chamber last night at a meeting of the full Council that was also attended by 50 Auckland residents concerned at the “new direction” Banks is taking. When asked point blank by Holmes on ZB this morning about the alleged death threat Mr. Banks was unable to substantiate his claim.

David Hay and several other ‘Auckland Citizens & Ratepayers Now’ (ACRN) Council members left the chamber for half an hour citing vague OSH regulations about over-crowding as the reason for the eventual postponement of the meeting.

Some Councilors gave up their seats for the public and stayed behind to engage in the public forum that currently has lip service status. John Banks subsequently condemned his Council members for being available to the people who voiced their concerns:
 Robin Treadwell from Michael Park School spoke of their 14 year battle for chemical free weed-spraying which is in danger of being overturned
 Sigrid Shayer of the Council Housing Action Group spoke against the move to sell off pensioner housing owned by the Council
 Penny Bright of the Water Pressure group spoke of privatization of public assets
 Marilyn Sainty questioned the act of block voting by the ACRN members, which effectively means they make decisions before hearing the public issues thus making a farce of the democratic process

Contrary to what John Banks said on Kim Hill this morning there were no feet on his desk, this proves without a shadow of a doubt that he wasn’t even there! It was a peaceful, spontaneous, theatrical demonstration that would’ve barely been newsworthy had David Hay and John Banks not refused to carry on the meeting.

Wake Up, Auckland! March!
Saturday, 16 March
11am QEII Square
rain – hail - shine
followed by a short rally with speakers & protest songs at Myers Park

Media Contact: Verity George 025 493 953

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