Hon John Banks
Member of Parliament for Epsom
ACT New Zealand

12 March 2014

Shabby treatment of Auckland Rescue Helicopter Trust

News that the Auckland Regional Amenities Funding Board will further reduce the ratepayers’ contribution to the Auckland Rescue Helicopter has been greeted with dismay by Epsom MP, John Banks.

“It’s shabby treatment by the Funding Board of what is an essential community service for Auckland, Mr Banks said.

“Every Citizen has an interest in this service and can at any time be a beneficiary from it.

“The Westpac Helicopter Trust should not be punished by the Funding Board because they successfully fundraise to support this community service.

“The funding Board should instead encourage the other organisations it funds to get more financial support from the community.

“The Auckland Regional Amenities Funding Board is a quango the pre dates the new Auckland Council.

“It was intended to more fairly allocate the cost of funding for certain amenities between the Councils of the region.

“It is no longer needed. In hindsight this should have been fixed in the Supercity legislation.

“Funding decisions for regional amenities should pass back to the elected members of the Auckland Council where it belongs,” Mr Banks said.

ENDS

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