Friday 18th Feb 2000
Owen Jennings
Media Release -- Governance & Constitution

Auckland Mayor Christine Fletcher's call for a review of the Resource Management Act in response to allegations against her Council shows how far removed from reality the councillors and senior staff of Auckland City Council are, says ACT local government spokesman Owen Jennings.

"The allegations of bribery, intimidation, abuse of power, interference and cover up go far beyond the Resource Management Act and 'inevitable tension between development and conservation'," Mr Jennings said.

"There are several Acts of Parliament which Council staff are allegedly abusing.

"My office has been inundated with messages of support for an investigation and further horrifying stories of the Auckland council's actions in the Hauraki Gulf islands.

"The council wants to fob off residents with half hearted investigations and compromise. Its now well beyond the time for reviews, mediation, ombudsman type remedies, out of court settlements, all managed by and answerable to the council. These issues are so serious, widespread and injurious to families and businesses that they must go to the highest court in the land- Parliament.

"It is unbelievable that the Mayor is trying to blame central Government for allegations including physical abuse, abuse of power and staff seeking sexual favours for consents.

"The Hauraki Gulf residents want a select committee inquiry and they want it now," Mr Jennings said.

Ends

Contact Owen Jennings 024 424933 or Kathryn Asare 04 4706637

For more information visit ACT online at http://www.act.org.nz or contact the ACT Parliamentary Office at act@parliament.govt.nz.

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