27 February 2009 Media Statement

Report on Auckland should be released immediately

The Government should release the report of the Royal Commission on Auckland Governance as soon as it receives it, says Labour's spokesperson on Auckland Issues Phil Twyford.

"John Key has to keep faith with Aucklanders, and with the very credible commissioners who have raised expectations they will deliver an important and comprehensive report,” Phil Twyford said.

"We are hearing mixed messages from the Prime Minister and Local Government Minister Rodney Hide on whether they intend to keep the report secret while they formulate the Government's response.

“That is simply not good enough and not fair on Aucklanders,” Phil Twyford said.

"The release of the report is too important to Aucklanders to be manipulated by the Government.

“We all need to be able to digest and consider the report's findings and not have that public debate skewed by the Government's own proposals."

Phil Twyford said the three commissioners, chairman Peter Salmon, Dame Margaret Bazley and David Shand, had impressed all those who have dealt with them during the hearings.

“They have encouraged a searching debate among Aucklanders, and we should make sure their report gets the fullest debate and consideration."

ENDS

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