Press Release

Christopher Dempsey, Chair, Eden Albert Community Board

August 6th

Immediate Release

World-class Mayoral hypocrisy

“Mayor John Banks riding to ‘rescue’ a neighbourhood from a shonky planning decision made under a system he instituted smacks of world-class hypocrisy” said Christopher Dempsey, Chair, Eden Albert Community Board.

Mr Dempsey is referring to Independent Planning Commissioners, who are used by council to hear resource consents. “Before Mr Banks usually one local elected representative was on every planning hearing, ensuring local views were incorporated into decisions. Mr Banks removed that local voice on resource consents, favouring instead independent commissioners.” Mr Dempsey explains.

“I invite Mr Banks, given that he is grandstanding on a decision that he directly enabled, and on a District Plan he fully supported, to put his money where his mouth is and pay for the entire appeal.” Mr Dempsey said. “It’s the very least he can do.”

“Additionally I’ll be putting up a motion to the Community Board requesting Council appoint a local elected representative to all resource consent hearings in the Eden Albert ward. I expect Mr Banks will be fully supportive of the move.” Mr Dempsey said.

ENDS