22 June 2000

AUCKLAND COUNCILS ADVOCATE FOR ECONOMIC GROWTH

Auckland’s four city councils are advocating strongly for the Auckland region to be recognised as pivotal in the Government’s new regional economic development initiatives.

In a submission supporting the Economic Development Bill, the councils say that the Auckland region’s knowledge economy opportunities and marginalised communities are as central to the Bill’s focus as geographic areas of economic disadvantage, such as the West Coast and Northland.

Auckland City’s Public Affairs and Advocacy Group is leading the council’s combined initiative to promote Auckland region’s important role as a major centre for growth in the national economy.

Advocacy Committee chair Richard Northey says the local authorities’ submission is absolutely vital as it is the only Auckland submission on the Bill. The four councils will follow-up their approach with a regional presentation to the Minister and Associate Minister of Economic Development and the Minister advising the Prime Minister on Auckland issues next month.

“These representations about economic development are just part of Auckland City’s increasingly vigorous advocacy role on behalf of Auckland City’s residents, businesses and many communities, Cr Northey said.

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“We have made 26 submissions on Parliamentary Bills on behalf of Auckland City citizens in the past 20 months and we are continuing to refine this role in order to strengthen delivery on the priorities identified by the Auckland community in the City’s new strategic plan.

“We have many voices for our many communities, including the significant population groups whose abilities are not fully used because they often cannot speak effectively for themselves, such as children and young people, disabled citizens, Maori, Pacific Islanders, refugees and migrant communities. Auckland City’s Advocacy Committee accordingly has made submissions on Bills on behalf of, or in partnership with, many of these groups.

“Advocacy, including submissions on Bills, is a cost effective way of ensuring the needs and aspirations of all Aucklanders are expressed at every opportunity so that the region’s economic, employment and community potential can be realised. Auckland region needs a partnership with Government to transform the economy and the Councils, as advocates for the region, have a key role to play in this.”

ENDS

For further information, please contact:
Cr Richard Northey
Telephone: 634 1494

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