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Unelected, overfunded volcanic quango breaks promises

Unelected, overfunded volcanic quango breaks government promises without consultation

The Maunga Authority’s refusal to consult the public over planned vehicle bans on Auckland’s volcanic sites is disgraceful, says ACT Leader David Seymour.

“The unelected Maunga Authority haven’t consulted with the people who actually use the mountain, which makes a mockery of their claims of public support. If they really do have public support, then they shouldn’t be afraid of consultation.

“What’s more, they originally claimed these bans were justified to prevent erosion. This was proven a lie when ACT discovered they had seen no evidence of erosion to the mountains. It turns out the mountains’ ‘spiritual, ancestral, cultural, customary, and historical significance’ was the greater concern.

“Meanwhile, ratepayers continue to fork out for the maintenance of these parks. The Maunga Authority claims the rights of a private owner while reaping the funding of a government quango - $80 million over 10 years.

“In 2012, when the Maunga Authority was granted its powers, the Treaty Negotiations Minister Chris Finlayson promised ‘There will be no changes to existing public access and use rights.’ This is now a broken promise.

“The government needs to review the legislation that allows the Maunga Authority to put up this kind of red tape without consulting the public.”

ENDS

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