Media Release 6 December 2006

by Elaine West (RAM ¬ Residents Action Movement)

Democracy will disintegrate under a Greater Auckland Council

"If a Greater Auckland Council is set up in place of the Auckland Regional Council, then we can expect democratic values and procedures to radically disintegrate across the region," says Elaine West of RAM ¬ Residents Action Movement.

Ms West was referring to the Auckland Mayoral Forum's proposal paper "Strengthening Auckland's Regional Governance" recently released for councils to consider by 13 December 2006.

"The underhand manner in which the Four Mayors - Mayors Hubbard, Curtis, Harvey and Wood - have lobbied central Government to form a new and all-powerful Greater Auckland Council, demonstrates their complete disregard for democracy in New Zealand" Ms West contends.

"Auckland council representatives have only ten days to make up their minds on major local body restructuring proposals that are unclear, lack due diligence and over-ride due process."

"As for the people of Auckland ¬ the Four Mayors have kept the public in the dark on matters of local government reform, and it is not hard to speculate why."

"Under the Mayor's proposal plan, political power and control over Auckland's public assets, public services and public money - will pass from the hands of the many, into the hands of the privileged few."

"And it is without doubt, that the people of Auckland will be the losers should the Four Mayors get their way."

Ends

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