Public feedback sought on ARC’s draft plan

The Auckland Regional Council is asking the community to comment on the issues and activities proposed in Your Region Your Future, the Draft Regional Community Plan for 2004-14. This year, the ARC is providing two ways for people to give comments and feedback:

Questionnaire

This year ARC is making it easier for everyone to give their point of view. By logging on to http://www.getinvolved.co.nz, people can complete a quick on-line survey and let us know how they want the rates spread and if they support a $10 flat charge for buying new regional parks. People can also do the survey over the phone, through 968 3254, or for those outside the local Auckland calling area, call tollfree 0508 968 7729 (0508 YOURSAY).

The five minute survey is also printed in the April issue of the ARC’s newsletter RegionWide, which will be delivered to households as an insert in local papers during the week beginning 5 April. The Get Involved website will be live from Monday 5 April to Monday 3 May. Hard copies of the survey need to be received by 4pm Monday 3 May.

Written submissions

Anyone can make a formal written submission about any aspect of the Draft Regional Community Plan. It helps if people can state if they either agree or disagree with what is proposed, and provide ideas for any changes. The more specific and constructive submissions are, the easier it is for the ARC to understand and act on suggestions. Submission forms are available from http://www.arc.govt.nz or by phoning 366 2000.

Submissions can be made between Monday 5 April and Monday 3 May, and delivered to the ARC in a number of ways:

By post: Submissions, Freepost No. 143122, Auckland Regional Council, Private Bag 92012, Auckland

By fax: 09 366 2155

By email: annplan@arc.govt.nz

In person: ARC reception, 21 Pitt Street, Auckland central, 8am-5pm

All submissions need to be received by 4pm on Monday 3 May. Everyone who makes a written submission also has the opportunity to speak to Councillors about it in person at a public hearing. Hearings will be held from 20 May to 3 June.

Copies of Your Region, Your Future and submission forms can be obtained via the internet: http://www.arc.govt.nz; by email: info@arc.govt.nz; by phone: 366 2000, or at your local library.

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Gordon Campbell: On the Sony cyber attack

Given the layers of meta-irony involved, the saga of the Sony cyber attack seemed at the outset more like a snarky European art film than a popcorn entry at the multiplex.

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