North Shore Community groups launch discussion series on Supercity.

North Shore community organisations are launching a series of meetings on the changes to Auckland governance, where leading political and social figures will discuss with community groups how the changes may impact upon the work they do.

Dr Andy Asquith trustee of the One Auckland Trust, and Dr Andrew Cardow , New Zealand’s leading experts in local government from Massey University will speak at the first meeting, which is entitled “Supercity or Superfudge?” on Monday 27th July.

The meetings, hosted by North Shore Community Social services (NSCSS) and Raeburn House, will be held on a monthly basis,

Raeburn House Manager Carol Ryan says that the meetings are intended to give local community groups the chance to discuss the changing governance environment with experts who can advise them on ways that they can prepare and adapt to the new council structure.

“The changes to Auckland governance are likely to have a big effect on community groups and it’s important for them to be as informed as possible about what the future might look like”, she says.

“These meetings will give community groups the opportunity to discuss the changes with experts from across the political spectrum and with a wide range of skills and knowledge“.

Yvonne Powley, Executive Officer of NSCSS, says that many local community groups are concerned about their ability to continue providing vital services to the North Shore community in the future.

“But for-warned is for-armed, and we anticipate that insights gained from these meetings will help community groups navigate the uncertain times ahead,” she says.

Dr Asquith said "As the only local government academics in Auckland we have a very different view of the issues than those offered by other 'commentators'."

"We fear that that we are seeing 'the beginning of the end' for locally elected institutions of government in New Zealand. It's more of a case of Super Fudge than Super City - the chance of a lifetime to create world class governance structures for Auckland is being sacrificed at the alter of outdated political dogma."

Meeting: ‘Supercity or Superfudge?’
Date: Monday 27th July
Time: 12 – 2pm
Venue: Taitamariki Hall, Auburn Reserve, Takapuna

Queries to NSCSS or Raeburn House

ENDS

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