Press Release
Formation of Auckland Region Residents and Ratepayers Group

22 November 2012

Growing dissatisfaction with Auckland Council has led over 20 residents groups from areas across Auckland to meet to discuss forming an umbrella group to strengthen their influence.

The new organization, the Auckland Region Residents and Ratepayers Group, will write to Council requesting key stakeholder status and formal engagement with Council regarding the Unitary Plan and development of an engagement model with communities.

Prior to their initial meeting on 17 November a number of the individual associations had identified over 80 issues of concern. Many of these fell within the broad categories of processes being followed for development of the Unitary Plan; rates; communications with Council; transport; and democracy.

“Many local community groups feel that they are not really being heard in the existing consultation process. Nothing changes. This will put elected representatives and Council officials on notice that the communities we represent expect to be taken much more seriously” said Mr. Grant Taylor, who will act as Chair for the group during its formation period.

The number of associations involved in the group is expected to increase as more groups become aware of the movement.

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