Human Rights Commission: Super city consultation a mockery

The short time frame of nine weeks (including the Christmas-New Year holiday break) for submissions to the third Auckland governance bill makes a mockery of democracy, according to the Human Rights Commission.

“The Commission has consistently urged there be at least 12 weeks for people to participate in something as important as Auckland’s local government restructure. This allows communities to hold meetings and work out their positions as well as write submissions”, says EEO Commissioner Judy McGregor appearing before the Auckland Governance Legislation Committee.

“The ability to participate in public affairs is one of the foundations of democracy. Aucklanders have every reason to be concerned about the rushed process around the future of their city which is an issue of national significance.”

The Commission has consistently maintained that the Royal Commission of Inquiry into Auckland’s Governance submissions process is not a proxy for measured consultation on legislation that is vastly different in intent, form and structure from what was proposed.

Aucklanders were told throughout the first and second bills that specific details that concerned them would be addressed in the third bill. Now the third bill is on the table, they have had scant time to comment.

The Commission says there is a lack of transparency in appointments of directors of CCOs (council-controlled organisations). The CCOs will manage vital services, including transport, water provision, land and economic development in the new super city.

The transfer of power to un-elected ministerial appointees is undemocratic and should concern all Aucklanders and all New Zealanders. The Commission urges a fully transparent process, which includes public advertising for any external, non-council appointments.

In addition, the Commission recommends:

• clarification that rate payer electors can not vote more than once in an election
• greater legislative role clarity for local boards
• specific seats for Māori as the preferred option, a strengthened role for the Board as the default position
• making Pacific and ethnic advisory panels permanent
• greater protection around Watercare to prevent privatisation
• lowering the cap on mayoral campaign spending to ensure greater potential range and diversity of candidates.

See media release attached to download the Human Rights Commission’s submission.

ENDS

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