Phil TWYFORD
Auckland Issues spokesperson

1 April 2011

Secrecy at Auckland Transport unacceptable

Revelations that Auckland Transport is conducting its business behind closed doors will reinforce the worst suspicions about Rodney Hide’s corporatisation of Auckland local government, says Labour’s Auckland Issues spokesperson Phil Twyford.

“It is unacceptable for this council-controlled organisation to be making decisions in closed session. Auckland Transport is owned by Aucklanders and should be at least as transparent as any elected council.

“Chairman Mark Ford said the board has every right to read staff reports before they are made public,” Phil Twyford said.

“I’ve got news for Mr Ford: he’s not running a private company. He’s working for the people of Auckland.

“The National-Act government insisted on corporatising the transport agency against the advice of three government departments. Now we see their hand-picked appointees would prefer to conduct their business away from the public gaze. It is exactly why people were suspicious of Rodney Hide’s agenda.

“Mayor Len Brown campaigned on holding the CCOs accountable and transparent. It sounds like Auckland Transport chairman Mark Ford didn’t get the memo.”

ENDS

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