14 May 2002

A record number of submissions had been received to the Manukau City Council’s draft 2002-03 Annual Plan by the time the submission period closed yesterday. The unofficial tally stands at 13,200 eclipsing the previous high of 9,000 received last year.

“This year with the two headline issues of the Pacific Events Centre and the future of Manukau’s shareholding in the airport has certainly provided impetus for residents to participate in Council’s decision making process” said Council Chief Executive Colin Dale. “It was pleasing to see that many submitters also took the opportunity to comment on other areas important to the way Manukau develops as a place to live, work and play”.

Submitters will now have the opportunity to speak to the Council’s Annual Plan Committee at public hearings throughout the city starting Thursday 23 May until 30 May. All submitters who notified through their submission that they wished to be heard will be contacted personally.

“It is an important part of the process with submitters are able to add more detail to their contribution and speak face to face with the decision-makers. These meetings are open to the public and provide a very real opportunity to participate in the decision-making processes of their city” Colin Dale said.

“While decisions are not made at the hearings it is an ideal place to gauge the depth of feeling about issues, feelings that often cannot be relayed through a written submission”.

The Annual Plan Committee then meets again on 17 and 18 June to consider all submissions, written and oral, and any changed circumstances since the draft Annual Plan was published. Recommendations as to what amendments should be made are then passed on to the Special Council meeting on 26 June.

The Special Council meeting will debate the recommendations with all agreed changes being included in the adoption of the final Annual Plan.

ENDS

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