MEDIA RELEASE
11 November 2004

Investigation verifies Auckland City's processes

Auckland City Council today received a report investigating the processes taken by council staff and committees in respect to a private plan change application made by Waitemata Infrastructure Limited (WIL).

The manner in which the council processed the appeal by WIL to the Council's decision to decline the private plan change application was raised at the last meeting of the outgoing council in September. The council commissioned an independent investigation into this process.

The report by Mr David Kirkpatrick, the council’s lawyer, confirms that correct processes were followed and that there was adequate transparency in the council’s consideration of the application.

“Auckland City is pleased this investigation has verified the processes carried out by the Regulatory and Fixtures delegates,” says Dr Jill McPherson, director of planning services. “The report confirms that Auckland City has gone beyond expected practice in processing this appeal.

“While this outcome is welcomed, we are still a long way from reaching a resolution for the private plan change that is acceptable to the different parties involved,” says Dr McPherson.

WIL’s appeal against the council decision in relation to the private plan change is due to be heard at the Environment Court. The hearing will start on 6 December 2004.

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