The Corporate Business Committee met today to hear submissions from ratepayers regarding the Botany ward option recently notified by Council as a response to the Triennial Review of ward boundaries within Manukau City.

As required by the Local Government Act, the review was conducted, at Council’s wish, by an independent panel chaired by George Tyler, formerly General Manager of Auckland Regional Council. The panel presented its report to the Council in May this year, which in turn made its proposal, including the Botany ward recommendation, and sent it out for public objections.

After hearing oral submissions this morning the Corporate Business Committee confirmed the original Council proposal and will recommend this to the next Council meeting on 26 October.

“While many of the submissions had merit none provided any alternative to what we believe meets the combined needs of fair and reasonable representation of a growing population within Manukau City said Neil Morrison, Chairman of the Corporate Business Committee.

“It must be remembered that if any appeals or counter submissions are registered against the Council decision made on the 26th, the matter is automatically referred to the Local Government Commission. Once this is done we have no recourse and must live with the decision made by an external body.”

The Council will either confirm or amend its proposal. If it is confirmed as originally proposed, only the 17 people or groups who made objections are able to appeal the Council’s final decision. If any appeals are received, the decision is automatically referred to the Local Government Commission in Wellington. Any determination made by the Commission is binding on the City Council. If the matter is referred to the Commission no decision is likely to be issued until 29 March next year.
ends

Contact: Cr Neil Morrison
Chairman Corporate Business Committee
0-9-537 2979

or
Gabrielle Hinton
Media Liaison Support Officer
Ph: 09 2637100 x 8650
Fax: 09 2625759
Email: ghinton@manukau.govt.nz

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