Mayor Len Brown
Media release – for immediate use
27 July 2010
Len Brown promises strong local boards

Mayor Len Brown says the new Auckland Council needs to stay in touch with the Local Boards by rotating Council meetings around the different parts of Auckland – rather than meeting only in the CBD.

Mr Brown has launched his policy for Local Boards and local democracy in the new Auckland Council saying local communities need to be confident they will retain their identity in the supercity.

“Communities need to be confident that their identity will be protected and enhanced in the new structure. I am committed to making sure local voices are heard in the supercity,” says Len Brown.

“I will also have the Council meeting rotate monthly around each of the current council areas. It is important that the Auckland Council stays in touch with local communities around the region.”

Len Brown says Local boards should be involved in planning and policy related to their communities. They should develop long term community plans and annual plans, as well as contributing to regional policy-making and giving effect to regional plans. They should then develop local policy within the regional framework in areas like, for example, dog control, gambling and gaming machines, licensing of cafes, bars and liquor outlets, brothels, and the development of town centres.

Local boards should be responsible for local decisions on local roads, footpaths, pedestrian zones and bus stops, speed limits for local roads, public transport, crime prevention (where CCTV cameras should be sited, for example), community engagement, beautification schemes, building consents, local economic development, animal control, environmental protection, local parks, recreation and sports facilities, libraries and pools, community houses and advisory services, town centre promotion, galleries and museums, beaches, camping grounds, liquor licensing, and more. I also want local boards to be involved in resource management hearings for their areas.

“I will ensure Local boards have adequate support to get on with their business. I don’t want them to waste time arguing with the Council over budgets and plans. I will be sending a very clear message to the CEO and management of the Auckland Council, Auckland Transport and the other CCOs, and councillors that local boards are the heart of democracy in Auckland and should not be fighting for scraps from the Council’s table.

“As I travel around Auckland, many people are still in the dark about how their local community will be represented. I have released this policy to underline the fact that I can committed to ensuring local communities retain their unique identity.”

For more information visit www.lenbrownformayor.co.nz

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