9 February 2006

Public Urged To Make Submissions On Graffiti And Street Prostitution Bills

Manukau Mayor Sir Barry Curtis says time is running short for anyone interested in making a submission on the proposed laws to control graffiti and street prostitution in Manukau City, which are now going through the legislative process.

The two bills had their first readings in Parliament in December and are to go before the Local Government and Environment Select Committee for consideration. The submission period ends on February 24.

Manukau City Council is making a submission and Sir Barry says most submissions on proposed legislation are usually made at the last minute. “But it is easy to delay until it’s suddenly too late. Now is the time for residents to write to the committee to make sure their voice is heard.

“As a city we need to clamp down on ugly tagging and graffiti vandalism, as well as control the spread of street prostitution. I believe there is strong community support for these two pieces of legislation.”

Submissions can also be made in person. Sir Barry intends to speak in support of Manukau City Council’s submission, although it has not yet been decided whether the committee will sit in Manukau or in Wellington.

He says, “If the committee strongly supports these two bills, we are halfway there and the legislation has a strong chance of getting through Parliament and becoming law. So now is the time to have the greatest influence.

“Talking about a problem isn’t enough. I have always believed that actions speak louder than words and I am urging every concerned Manukau resident to get their submission in before the close-off date.”

Copies of the bills and suggested layouts for submissions may be viewed at:

- the Civic Centre Building, 31-33 Wiri Station Road
- Manukau libraries
- on Council’s website www.manukau.govt.nz/control.htm; OR
- on Parliament’s website www.clerk.parliament.govt.nz/Programme/Committees/Submission

ENDS

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