18 December 2008

PRESS RELEASE - New Lynn Residents & Ratepayers Action Group

Chinese Gates not wanted for New Lynn

Opposition is building in west Auckland to Mayor Harvey's Chinatown and Chinese Gates ideas.

The newly formed New Lynn Residents & Ratepayers Action Group has launched a Petition calling on the Waitakere City Council to cease all further spending of ratepayers' money on the Chinatown and Chinese Gates proposals.

"Concern is growing over these proposals", says local resident and spokesperson, Joanne Ngatai. "Residents feel these proposals fail to take into account the cultural background and nationalities of ALL New Lynn's residents, ratepayers and visitors".

"There is also huge concern that these plans will result in the destruction of what little is left of New Lynn's history", says Mrs Ngatai. "Locals feel they have had to battle the Council over the years to retain any of New Lynn's heritage".

"We also object very strongly to the lack of meaningful public consultation and the fact that $2 million of ratepayers' money has already been allocated for these proposals, while other Council services are being slashed."

The petition, which has already received strong support from the community, will be available to sign at various local businesses.

ENDS

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