March 13, 2008

MEDIA RELEASE (For Immediate Release)

Ranges Bill Set For Final Step

Parliament last night completed its detailed debate on the Waitakere Ranges Heritage Area Bill and set it on the Order Paper for a third and final reading in April.

“This has been a long and drawn out process,” says Waitakere City Mayor Bob Harvey, “but it’s good at the end to see the strength of cross-party support for this bill.”

The Bill is jointly promoted by Waitakere City, Rodney District and the Auckland Regional Council. ”The Councils have worked together for five years to achieve this important milestone, and local MPs have been there for us when it counted,” says Mayor Harvey.

“I want to acknowledge the particular work of Lynne Pillay, David Cunliffe, Chris Carter, Pita Sharples and Hone Harawira within whose electorates the Heritage area is located.”

In two long debates, the “House in Committee” stages were completed on Wednesday evening, the House adopting all of the recommended changes of the Select Committee that heard submissions.

Further minor changes that clarify parts of the bill proposed by Taito Philip Field, the Maori Party and the Government were also adopted.

The bill recognises the national significance of the Waitakere Ranges and foothills and promotes the protection of the heritage features in the area.
This is a lived in, worked in, protected area, home to more than 21,000 residents and a major Regional Park.

“We do not intend to lock the door and throw away the key,”says Mayor Harvey, “But we do seriously intend to stop the march of urban sprawl into this fantastic area, and we do intend to ensure that the rural, natural and coastal village character of these areas continues into the long term.”

“We are now only one vote away from having an Act of Parliament,” says the Mayor.

Ends

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