Auckland Council Unitary Plan Changes a Last Minute Shambles

The Auckland Ratepayers’ Alliance is slamming today’s revelation by the NZ Heraldthat just three councillors plus an unelected Maori Statutory Board member approved the dramatic changes to the Unitary Plan that rezone tens of thousands of properties for more intensive housing and apartments. Reacting to the news, Alliance Spokesperson, Carmel Claridge, who attended last week’s meeting of some 700 concerned property owners, says:

“These radical last minute ‘out of scope’ changes have had no public consultation whatsoever. They have made a complete farce of the Unitary Plan process, and the efforts of the thousands of Aucklanders who submitted on the original draft.”

“To rub salt into the wounds, one of the crucial votes was supplied by a member of the unelected Maori Statutory Board. How is it that the Maori Statutory Board get consultation and decision-making power, but those who live in the suburbs directly affected don't get a word in?”

“Auckland Council should run a transparent consultation processing, put these changes to a full Council vote, and respect democracy by stopping those who aren’t even elected from having more rights than those who own the residential properties which are affected.”

ENDS

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