Media Release

June 17, 2009

Stand up and be counted on super city, says Mayor Bob

Waitakere Mayor Bob Harvey is urging Westies to have their say on the proposed Auckland super city.

Submissions on the second Local Government (Auckland Council) Bill close on June 26.

It will decide the shape and structure of local government in Auckland for decades.

Not making a submission means not having a say on the future city, says Mr Harvey.

“This bill is going to radically change how Auckland is run. It’s going to change our lives.

“People need to address and engage this issue like their lives depend on it. Because they do.”

In its current form, the bill proposes a super Auckland council with 20 to 30 community boards.

The council would have 12 councillors elected from wards and eight elected regionally.

Waitakere City Council’s key issues are:

• The proposed regional councillor model is flawed

• There should be specifically assigned Maori seats

• There should be between six and 11 local boards rather than the proposed 20 to 30.

Mayor Harvey says the government needs to hear a wide range of Waitakere perspectives.

“We have to ensure that all the issues are covered.

“This is the last and most important chance to have a voice. This opportunity will not come again.”

Waitakere City Council will be making its own submission to the select committee.

Select committee submission forms are available at www.parliament.nz
Advice on making a submission will be given at the Waitakere Open Door Forum this Friday, June 19 from 10am to 5pm at the West Wave Aquatic Centre in Henderson.

Envelopes, paper and stamps will be supplied.
Contact westiegag@gmail.com or phone 021 213 7779 for more information on the forum

ENDS

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