Nobody on Council Standing Up for Property Rights

Stephen Berry, Waitemata & Gulf ward candidate for Auckland City Council, says that both sides of the unitary plan debate have got it wrong. “Those on the council who support the draft unitary plan want to dictate private property use to achieve greater building intensification. Those on the council who oppose the draft unitary plan want to dictate private property use to ensure low density housing. Where are the councillors standing up for private property rights?”

Mr. Berry believes that it is time Auckland Council has representatives that say private property owners should be the sole deciders of whether their house is one storey or five. “If the decision a property owner makes about the use of their land does not violate the sovereignty of their neighbours, then what concern should it be of the council? When it comes to property rights, there is no difference between Mike Lee and Dick Quax; both want the council to dictate what you can do with your own land.”

“This consistent disregard for the rights of private property owners invades political thinking on a range of issues, whether they are tree protection, heritage rules or district plans. Why should the objections of neighbourhood busybodies take precedence over the sovereignty of the property owner?”

If elected to Council, Stephen Berry will vote against any rules which increase regulation over private property use. “What you do with your land is your own business. The only regulations that should apply to private land use are those which ensure your actions do not violate the property rights of your neighbours.”

Ends

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