Andrew Williams MP
Spokesperson for Local Government
2 October 2013

Village Mentality Over Grass Sweeps Supercity

The arguments sweeping Auckland over the responsibility for cutting the grass on the road side outside houses shows that the “Super City” is still a collection of arguing villages, says New Zealand First local government spokesperson Andrew Williams.

Mr Williams says the issue is simple – people in the central isthmus area of the city should mow their berm like all the rest of Aucklanders do, and have done for decades.

“In the case of housing units with a number of residents, surely people can throw in a couple of dollars a week each to pay a lawn mowing service to do the job, or landlords can arrange it as they often do elsewhere in the region."

Mr Williams says there are huge issues facing Auckland, like the exploding population, bottlenecked roads, housing affordability and major social issues but many candidates for the local government elections can’t see the big picture.

“Councils are required by law to provide basic services to residents and businesses, to protect the local environment and to make the city function properly for everyone, but there are limits.

“It is important that whoever gets elected to the council and the local boards keeps the system democratic and approachable but squabbling between wards and local board areas over lawn mowing shows parochialism and lack of a practical approach.

“Mow the grass, help your neighbours if need be, have pride in your streets and community, and get on with it.

“This is one city now and we are all equal as residents and ratepayers. It's time everyone realised that, including the politicians,” says Mr Williams.

ENDS

© Scoop Media

Trial Over 'Anonymous' Donations: John Banks Resigns As Minister

ACT Leader John Banks today confirmed that he has stood down from his Ministerial positions following today’s decision at the Auckland District Court.

“Last week I indicated to the Prime Minister’s Chief of Staff that I would offer my resignation should the matter relating to my 2010 Mayoral Electoral return be committed to trial,” Mr Banks said...

“I intend to continue in my role as ACT Leader and MP for Epsom, and ACT will continue to support National on matters of confidence and supply. More>>