The Third Super-City Bill has now been tabled in the House of Representatives and will be debated through its final stages during Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday 1-3 June 2010 from 3.30-6pm and 7.30-10pm. You can watch or listen to the debates live here:
http://www.parliament.nz/en-NZ/AboutParl/SeeHear/PTV/
If you would like to influence the outcome of the debate and the future of Auckland you can contact the MPs for Auckland during the debate and tell them your views or request that they make statements or ask questions on your behalf. Their contact details are below. They will all have their Blackberries with them in the House, so they can receive your emails as the debate progresses.
Their details are listed on the Our Auckland website at:
http://www.ourauckland.org.nz/the-campaign/contact-auckland-mps/
The main issues you might want to raise with them are:
# The creation of 7 Council Controlled Organisations (CCOs) to run Transport, Water, Major Regional Facilities, The Waterfront Development Agency, Property Holdings, Tourism and Events, Growth and Development in advance of the Mayor and Council being elected.
# The Government appointed Board members of these CCOs.
# The fact that elected representatives will not be allowed to sit on the boards of CCOs.
# The lack of democratic accountability of these CCOs (a quarterly report is not sufficient).
# The lack of decision and bylaw making powers of Local Boards (CCOs can do both these things).
# The fact that the powers and roles of Local Boards are not enshrined in the legislation as promised.
# The lack of meaningful representation for Maori.
# The lack of permanent advisory panels for Pacific and Ethnic Peoples.
# The lack of representation for Youth, the Elderly and the Disabled.
This is our very last chance to participate in democratic debate around the future for our city - have your say!
Labour MP Phil Twyford will be tabling an amendment to the Bill which removes the Waterfront Development Agency, Transport CCO, and Water CCO and makes it explicit that the Auckland Council shall be able to determine what to do with each CCO once elected - you may want to support his stance and tell the Government MPs that you do and ask them to vote for it.
Monday, May 31, 2010
Sunday, May 30, 2010
OPEN LETTER TO GOVERNMENT
28 May 2010
Paula Bennett Nikki Kaye
MP for Waitakere MP for Auckland Central
429 Great North Road 82 College Hill
Henderson Freemans Bay
Dear Paula and Nikki,
We are writing this open letter to you as members of John Key’s Government. This letter is a request to table the issues outlined below before the committee sessions regarding the Local Government (Auckland Law Reform) Bill, currently before the House.
As you may be aware our organization has recently polled Aucklanders to find out their views on the Government proposals contained in this Bill. We had over 9,000 responses. Of these 96% do not approve of the way the Government is setting up the new Auckland Council, 95% do not think that enough attention has been paid to the wishes of Aucklanders and 94% do not think the Government has officially asked them what kind of Auckland they want.
In addition, 92% did not want core Council services such as water, transport, economic development, and tourism and events to be operated by corporate, unelected CCOs. In addition, 92% would not give their permission for CCOs to take charge of Auckland's most important assets.
95% thought that there should be a binding referendum of Aucklanders before significant assets like water, ports, airport shares, museums and stadia were sold or privatised.
90% wanted decisions about issues that affect their neighbourhood to be made by their Local Board, and 85% did not think it was fair that Local Boards could not make decisions and bylaws, but only make recommendations to the Auckland Council.
56% agreed that there should be dedicated seats for Maori on the Auckland Council and 67% agreed that there should be permanent Ethnic and Pacific Advisory Panels, as recommended by the Royal Commission.
88% thought that people living on the fringe of Auckland should be asked whether they wanted to be part of the new Auckland structure. Of those who responded only 17% came from Rodney, Franklin, Papakura or the Gulf Islands, with 81% coming from the metropolitan cities of Auckland, North Shore, Waitakere and Manukau.
We think that these results send a very clear message to the Government that the people of Auckland want a democratic city, not the corporate one that has been outlined in the Bill. Unfortunately the changes proposed by the Select Committee, although a step in the right direction, fall far short of adequately addressing these concerns.
Therefore we request that the Government amend the Bill to meet the following requirements. We then believe it would be acceptable to more Aucklanders than it is at present and form a solid foundation from which to lead Auckland forward to a more secure future for everyone.
• The decision regarding CCOs (which services should be delivered by them, if any, who is on the boards and how they are appointed) to be made by the incoming Mayor and Councillors and be based on their vision for Auckland not by the Government in advance.
• The setting up of CCOs to be delayed until after the new Council is elected and settled in. The status quo should remain until then.
• The Local Boards to have real decision-making powers and adequate budgets and resources allocated via an appropriate formula set out in legislation to deliver local services and local accountability.
• The Local Boards, Council and CCOs to be formally linked together so that decision making and accountability can be communicated, accountable, effective and efficient.
• The Pacific and Ethnic Boards to be made permanent to ensure New Zealand's most culturally diverse region has a strong and sustained influence in decision making.
• There to be a binding referendum (vote or poll) of the people of Auckland before any sale of substantial public assets can be made and for all public assets to be held on the people’s behalf by the Auckland Council and not be transferred to the CCOs.
• Requirements for CCOS to have public meetings, publish agendas and minutes, and consult on issues affecting communities to be set out clearly in legislation.
• Three dedicated Maori seats as per the recommendation of the Royal Commission.
We look forward to your response.
Yours sincerely
Mels Barton on behalf of
Our Auckland and all Aucklanders
Paula Bennett Nikki Kaye
MP for Waitakere MP for Auckland Central
429 Great North Road 82 College Hill
Henderson Freemans Bay
Dear Paula and Nikki,
We are writing this open letter to you as members of John Key’s Government. This letter is a request to table the issues outlined below before the committee sessions regarding the Local Government (Auckland Law Reform) Bill, currently before the House.
As you may be aware our organization has recently polled Aucklanders to find out their views on the Government proposals contained in this Bill. We had over 9,000 responses. Of these 96% do not approve of the way the Government is setting up the new Auckland Council, 95% do not think that enough attention has been paid to the wishes of Aucklanders and 94% do not think the Government has officially asked them what kind of Auckland they want.
In addition, 92% did not want core Council services such as water, transport, economic development, and tourism and events to be operated by corporate, unelected CCOs. In addition, 92% would not give their permission for CCOs to take charge of Auckland's most important assets.
95% thought that there should be a binding referendum of Aucklanders before significant assets like water, ports, airport shares, museums and stadia were sold or privatised.
90% wanted decisions about issues that affect their neighbourhood to be made by their Local Board, and 85% did not think it was fair that Local Boards could not make decisions and bylaws, but only make recommendations to the Auckland Council.
56% agreed that there should be dedicated seats for Maori on the Auckland Council and 67% agreed that there should be permanent Ethnic and Pacific Advisory Panels, as recommended by the Royal Commission.
88% thought that people living on the fringe of Auckland should be asked whether they wanted to be part of the new Auckland structure. Of those who responded only 17% came from Rodney, Franklin, Papakura or the Gulf Islands, with 81% coming from the metropolitan cities of Auckland, North Shore, Waitakere and Manukau.
We think that these results send a very clear message to the Government that the people of Auckland want a democratic city, not the corporate one that has been outlined in the Bill. Unfortunately the changes proposed by the Select Committee, although a step in the right direction, fall far short of adequately addressing these concerns.
Therefore we request that the Government amend the Bill to meet the following requirements. We then believe it would be acceptable to more Aucklanders than it is at present and form a solid foundation from which to lead Auckland forward to a more secure future for everyone.
• The decision regarding CCOs (which services should be delivered by them, if any, who is on the boards and how they are appointed) to be made by the incoming Mayor and Councillors and be based on their vision for Auckland not by the Government in advance.
• The setting up of CCOs to be delayed until after the new Council is elected and settled in. The status quo should remain until then.
• The Local Boards to have real decision-making powers and adequate budgets and resources allocated via an appropriate formula set out in legislation to deliver local services and local accountability.
• The Local Boards, Council and CCOs to be formally linked together so that decision making and accountability can be communicated, accountable, effective and efficient.
• The Pacific and Ethnic Boards to be made permanent to ensure New Zealand's most culturally diverse region has a strong and sustained influence in decision making.
• There to be a binding referendum (vote or poll) of the people of Auckland before any sale of substantial public assets can be made and for all public assets to be held on the people’s behalf by the Auckland Council and not be transferred to the CCOs.
• Requirements for CCOS to have public meetings, publish agendas and minutes, and consult on issues affecting communities to be set out clearly in legislation.
• Three dedicated Maori seats as per the recommendation of the Royal Commission.
We look forward to your response.
Yours sincerely
Mels Barton on behalf of
Our Auckland and all Aucklanders
OUR AUCKLAND DELIVERS OPEN LETTER TO GOVERNMENT
PRESS RELEASE
Embargoed until 6am Friday 28 May 2010
The Our Auckland coalition and supporters will be protesting outside the offices of National MPs Paula Bennett and Nikki Kaye today.
The group will deliver an Open Letter to the Government describing the views expressed by Aucklanders during the recent referendum that attracted over 9,000 votes.
The letter also describes the changes that Our Auckland would like to see incorporated into the Third Supercity Bill before it is passed.
Our Auckland spokesperson Mels Barton says it is the last chance for the Government to listen to the voices of Aucklanders.
“The messages we received via the referendum were really clear and the changes to the Bill proposed by the Select Committee just don’t go far enough to deliver the type of city that Aucklanders want.”
“We want a future for Auckland that everyone can support and move forward with together, not something that is divisive and elitist, with all the power vested in the few. We want a democratic Auckland, not a corporate one, and we hope the Government is listening.”
Embargoed until 6am Friday 28 May 2010
The Our Auckland coalition and supporters will be protesting outside the offices of National MPs Paula Bennett and Nikki Kaye today.
The group will deliver an Open Letter to the Government describing the views expressed by Aucklanders during the recent referendum that attracted over 9,000 votes.
The letter also describes the changes that Our Auckland would like to see incorporated into the Third Supercity Bill before it is passed.
Our Auckland spokesperson Mels Barton says it is the last chance for the Government to listen to the voices of Aucklanders.
“The messages we received via the referendum were really clear and the changes to the Bill proposed by the Select Committee just don’t go far enough to deliver the type of city that Aucklanders want.”
“We want a future for Auckland that everyone can support and move forward with together, not something that is divisive and elitist, with all the power vested in the few. We want a democratic Auckland, not a corporate one, and we hope the Government is listening.”
Tuesday, May 25, 2010
BE PART OF THE DEBATE ON OUR AUCKLAND
PRESS RELEASE
For immediate release: Wednesday 26 May 2010
The Our Auckland coalition is calling on Aucklanders to take part in the debate on the third and final Super City Bill, due to begin on Thursday May 28.
The group has published the phone numbers of all the Auckland Government MPs on its website at www.ourauckland.org.nz and is suggesting people contact them to let them know their views on the key aspects of the Bill.
“The Government has said they are listening to the views of Aucklanders, but we think the proposed changes are just tinkering around the edges, and a corporate city will still be the result instead of the democratic one that people have clearly said they want,” says spokesperson Mels Barton.
“Perhaps if the MPs actually hear from their constituents they will realise how important it is to deliver a city that is democratically accountable to the ratepayers and voters, and not one that is driven by big business interests. So we’re encouraging everyone in Auckland to pick up the phone, call their MP and tell them what they do and don’t want for their city.”
For immediate release: Wednesday 26 May 2010
The Our Auckland coalition is calling on Aucklanders to take part in the debate on the third and final Super City Bill, due to begin on Thursday May 28.
The group has published the phone numbers of all the Auckland Government MPs on its website at www.ourauckland.org.nz and is suggesting people contact them to let them know their views on the key aspects of the Bill.
“The Government has said they are listening to the views of Aucklanders, but we think the proposed changes are just tinkering around the edges, and a corporate city will still be the result instead of the democratic one that people have clearly said they want,” says spokesperson Mels Barton.
“Perhaps if the MPs actually hear from their constituents they will realise how important it is to deliver a city that is democratically accountable to the ratepayers and voters, and not one that is driven by big business interests. So we’re encouraging everyone in Auckland to pick up the phone, call their MP and tell them what they do and don’t want for their city.”
Monday, May 24, 2010
TINKERING NOT ENOUGH FOR OUR AUCKLAND
PRESS RELEASE
For immediate release – Tuesday 25 May 2010
TINKERING NOT ENOUGH FOR OUR AUCKLAND
The Government Select Committee has reported back on its recommendations for the 3rd Bill on Auckland Governance to set up the Super City. Some minor changes to the legislation have been proposed, but they do not go far enough for the regionwide coalition Our Auckland.
Spokesperson Mels Barton says the proposals are a step in the right direction, but it is too little, too late to satisfy Aucklanders that the Government is listening to them.
“Clearly the Government is surprised at the level of opposition to their proposals, so they have tried to soften the blow slightly, but they are still appointing the Boards of 7 CCOs to run basic services before the Council is elected, and that is just wrong.”
“The Mayor and Council should be deciding which CCOs they need and who should be on the Boards to fit their vision for Auckland’s future – this is the basis upon which they will be elected and they need to be allowed to deliver it. Spending the first few months sacking Board members and reappointing them is not a positive start to a new regime.”
There is still no certainty for the role of Local Boards in the proposals, with the Transition Agency planning to release yet another report closer to the elections. Mels Barton says this is far too late.
“How can people decide whether to stand for their Local Board if they don’t know the size of the job, what it will entail, whether it is full or part-time, or what they will get paid? The Government promised the roles of the Local Boards would be contained in the legislation and they have totally failed to deliver. Prospective candidates need this information now.”
“I think it shows their lack of understanding of Local Government and what will be needed at the coalface, as well as their desire to see as much power vested in the CCOs as possible. Local democracy is inefficient, it’s much quicker to get the select few to make all the decisions; the problem is they’re not the ones living with, or paying for the consequences.”
Other issues that Aucklanders have overwhelmingly expressed concern about have also been ignored in this report:
• The vesting of assets in CCOs and no referendum before they can be sold;
• Removing the right of Aucklanders to determine their participation in the reorganisation until after 2013, especially for those in Rodney, Franklin and Papakura;
• Removing the right for Aucklanders to decide to use MMP rather than First Past the Post to elect their representatives;
• No permanent Pacific and Ethnic advisory panels;
• No Maori seats, just a toothless advisory board;
• No representation for Youth
Mels Barton also does not trust the reassurances in the report that water will not be privatised, which can still happen after 2015.
“It seems a bit rich to be promising that water will not be privatised when at the same time another Bill is being introduced that will enable contracts for the operation of water services to be let to private companies for 35 years. Aucklanders are not stupid and the Government is undermining its standing in Auckland by lying to us. The public ownership of water is something that everyone supports because it is essential to the future health of our communities.”
For immediate release – Tuesday 25 May 2010
TINKERING NOT ENOUGH FOR OUR AUCKLAND
The Government Select Committee has reported back on its recommendations for the 3rd Bill on Auckland Governance to set up the Super City. Some minor changes to the legislation have been proposed, but they do not go far enough for the regionwide coalition Our Auckland.
Spokesperson Mels Barton says the proposals are a step in the right direction, but it is too little, too late to satisfy Aucklanders that the Government is listening to them.
“Clearly the Government is surprised at the level of opposition to their proposals, so they have tried to soften the blow slightly, but they are still appointing the Boards of 7 CCOs to run basic services before the Council is elected, and that is just wrong.”
“The Mayor and Council should be deciding which CCOs they need and who should be on the Boards to fit their vision for Auckland’s future – this is the basis upon which they will be elected and they need to be allowed to deliver it. Spending the first few months sacking Board members and reappointing them is not a positive start to a new regime.”
There is still no certainty for the role of Local Boards in the proposals, with the Transition Agency planning to release yet another report closer to the elections. Mels Barton says this is far too late.
“How can people decide whether to stand for their Local Board if they don’t know the size of the job, what it will entail, whether it is full or part-time, or what they will get paid? The Government promised the roles of the Local Boards would be contained in the legislation and they have totally failed to deliver. Prospective candidates need this information now.”
“I think it shows their lack of understanding of Local Government and what will be needed at the coalface, as well as their desire to see as much power vested in the CCOs as possible. Local democracy is inefficient, it’s much quicker to get the select few to make all the decisions; the problem is they’re not the ones living with, or paying for the consequences.”
Other issues that Aucklanders have overwhelmingly expressed concern about have also been ignored in this report:
• The vesting of assets in CCOs and no referendum before they can be sold;
• Removing the right of Aucklanders to determine their participation in the reorganisation until after 2013, especially for those in Rodney, Franklin and Papakura;
• Removing the right for Aucklanders to decide to use MMP rather than First Past the Post to elect their representatives;
• No permanent Pacific and Ethnic advisory panels;
• No Maori seats, just a toothless advisory board;
• No representation for Youth
Mels Barton also does not trust the reassurances in the report that water will not be privatised, which can still happen after 2015.
“It seems a bit rich to be promising that water will not be privatised when at the same time another Bill is being introduced that will enable contracts for the operation of water services to be let to private companies for 35 years. Aucklanders are not stupid and the Government is undermining its standing in Auckland by lying to us. The public ownership of water is something that everyone supports because it is essential to the future health of our communities.”
Sunday, May 23, 2010
SELECT COMMITTEE REPORT RELEASED
The Select Committee on Auckland Governance has released its report on the 3rd Auckland Bill today. Some changes are proposed in response to the overwhelming opposition from submitters on aspects of the proposals, however nothing substantial has changed.
There will still be 7 CCOs set up and their Boards appointed prior to the Auckland Council being elected, however the Chair & Deputy for each CCO will be appointed by the new Council and there will be some spare seats on the Boards for Council to appoint. Council now also have the ability to sack Board members from all CCOs from Day 1 and appoint new ones.
Roles and powers of the Local Boards have still not been defined. There are some suggestions, but they will not be able to make their own decisions or bylaws. Remuneration for Local Board members & Councilors will have to be defined by July 15.
CCOs will be able to make decisions and bylaws but will have to be more transparent & Council can instruct them to hold meetings that are open to the public. They will have to have regard to the Spatial Plan.
The Spatial Plan will have to have regard to the Waitakere Ranges Heritage Area Act and other local Acts.
The report tries to reassure that water privatisation and sale of public assets is not on the agenda, but the release of the Local Government Amendment Act Bill this week shows that this is clearly untrue.
Public assets will be transferred to CCOs.
The Pacific and Ethnic Advisory Panels will still only last for 1 term of 3 years.
The Maori Advisory Board will still have no power to influence Council decisions.
There will be no Youth Council.
You can download the full report here.
There will still be 7 CCOs set up and their Boards appointed prior to the Auckland Council being elected, however the Chair & Deputy for each CCO will be appointed by the new Council and there will be some spare seats on the Boards for Council to appoint. Council now also have the ability to sack Board members from all CCOs from Day 1 and appoint new ones.
Roles and powers of the Local Boards have still not been defined. There are some suggestions, but they will not be able to make their own decisions or bylaws. Remuneration for Local Board members & Councilors will have to be defined by July 15.
CCOs will be able to make decisions and bylaws but will have to be more transparent & Council can instruct them to hold meetings that are open to the public. They will have to have regard to the Spatial Plan.
The Spatial Plan will have to have regard to the Waitakere Ranges Heritage Area Act and other local Acts.
The report tries to reassure that water privatisation and sale of public assets is not on the agenda, but the release of the Local Government Amendment Act Bill this week shows that this is clearly untrue.
Public assets will be transferred to CCOs.
The Pacific and Ethnic Advisory Panels will still only last for 1 term of 3 years.
The Maori Advisory Board will still have no power to influence Council decisions.
There will be no Youth Council.
You can download the full report here.
Thursday, May 20, 2010
AUCKLANDERS REJECT GOVERNMENT PROCESS ON SUPERCITY
PRESS RELEASE
Embargoed until 6am Thursday 20 May 2010
The Our Auckland referendum results show a massive 96% of respondents do not approve of the way the Government is setting up the new Auckland Council. 95% do not think that enough attention has been paid to the wishes of Aucklanders and 94% do not think the Government has officially asked them what kind of Auckland they want.
Our Auckland spokesperson Mels Barton says that this shows how disenfranchised Aucklanders are from the decisions being made about their city. “The Government has lost the support of Aucklanders for these changes by throwing away the Royal Commission's recommendations, ignoring submissions and bulldozing ahead with unpopular plans too quickly and without proper consultation or consideration. They have no mandate from Aucklanders for the Government model that is being proposed.”
In addition, 92% did not want traditional council services like water, transport, economic development and tourism and events to be operated by corporate, unelected CCOs, and 92% would not give their permission for CCOs to take charge of Auckland's most important assets.
95% thought that there should be a binding referendum of Aucklanders before significant assets like water, ports, airport shares, museums and stadia were sold or privatised.
90% wanted decisions about issues that affect their neighbourhood to be made by their Local Board, and 85% did not think it was fair that Local Boards could not make decisions and bylaws, but only make recommendations to the Auckland Council.
Mels Barton says “People want local decisions to be made locally and for their assets to be controlled by democratically elected representatives, not by corporate CCOs. They have lost trust to the point that they want a binding referendum before key decisions affecting these assets are made. If the Government wants to win back Aucklanders then they need to start listening and give democratic control back to the city.”
“Slowing down the process of change by allowing the newly elected Council and Mayor to make decisions on what CCOs to set up and who should be on their boards would be a good start. Enabling Local Boards to be effective by giving them the power to make decisions and bylaws, along with realistic funding and resourcing, would restore some confidence that local voices will be heard.”
56% agreed that there should be dedicated seats for Maori on the Auckland Council and 67% agreed that there should be permanent Ethnic and Pacific Advisory Panels, as recommended by the Royal Commission.
88% thought that people living on the fringe of Auckland should be asked whether they wanted to be part of the new Auckland structure. Of those who responded only 17% came from Rodney, Franklin, Papakura or the Gulf Islands, with 81% coming from the metropolitan cities of Auckland, North Shore, Waitakere and Manukau.
Around 51% of people voted online and 49% via post or ballot box, with ballot boxes placed in every library in the Auckland Region apart from Franklin, where libraries are not council-run.
Mels Barton says the results show huge interest from all demographics, with particularly high counts recorded from the ballot boxes placed in Panmure Library and Mt Wellington's Riverside (Taha Awa) Community Centre, and the majority of the postal votes being from older people. “We even had one envelope with 19 votes from Epsom, Rodney Hide's electorate, all opposing the Government's process. So people from every walk of life are unhappy with the way this is being handled - and that must send a strong message to the Government to listen and take action to change things, while they still can. It's not too late to make the new Auckland into a democratic city, not a corporate one, and have an Auckland Council that all Aucklanders can feel part of and proud of.”
The total number of valid votes cast in 8 days was 8973.
Embargoed until 6am Thursday 20 May 2010
The Our Auckland referendum results show a massive 96% of respondents do not approve of the way the Government is setting up the new Auckland Council. 95% do not think that enough attention has been paid to the wishes of Aucklanders and 94% do not think the Government has officially asked them what kind of Auckland they want.
Our Auckland spokesperson Mels Barton says that this shows how disenfranchised Aucklanders are from the decisions being made about their city. “The Government has lost the support of Aucklanders for these changes by throwing away the Royal Commission's recommendations, ignoring submissions and bulldozing ahead with unpopular plans too quickly and without proper consultation or consideration. They have no mandate from Aucklanders for the Government model that is being proposed.”
In addition, 92% did not want traditional council services like water, transport, economic development and tourism and events to be operated by corporate, unelected CCOs, and 92% would not give their permission for CCOs to take charge of Auckland's most important assets.
95% thought that there should be a binding referendum of Aucklanders before significant assets like water, ports, airport shares, museums and stadia were sold or privatised.
90% wanted decisions about issues that affect their neighbourhood to be made by their Local Board, and 85% did not think it was fair that Local Boards could not make decisions and bylaws, but only make recommendations to the Auckland Council.
Mels Barton says “People want local decisions to be made locally and for their assets to be controlled by democratically elected representatives, not by corporate CCOs. They have lost trust to the point that they want a binding referendum before key decisions affecting these assets are made. If the Government wants to win back Aucklanders then they need to start listening and give democratic control back to the city.”
“Slowing down the process of change by allowing the newly elected Council and Mayor to make decisions on what CCOs to set up and who should be on their boards would be a good start. Enabling Local Boards to be effective by giving them the power to make decisions and bylaws, along with realistic funding and resourcing, would restore some confidence that local voices will be heard.”
56% agreed that there should be dedicated seats for Maori on the Auckland Council and 67% agreed that there should be permanent Ethnic and Pacific Advisory Panels, as recommended by the Royal Commission.
88% thought that people living on the fringe of Auckland should be asked whether they wanted to be part of the new Auckland structure. Of those who responded only 17% came from Rodney, Franklin, Papakura or the Gulf Islands, with 81% coming from the metropolitan cities of Auckland, North Shore, Waitakere and Manukau.
Around 51% of people voted online and 49% via post or ballot box, with ballot boxes placed in every library in the Auckland Region apart from Franklin, where libraries are not council-run.
Mels Barton says the results show huge interest from all demographics, with particularly high counts recorded from the ballot boxes placed in Panmure Library and Mt Wellington's Riverside (Taha Awa) Community Centre, and the majority of the postal votes being from older people. “We even had one envelope with 19 votes from Epsom, Rodney Hide's electorate, all opposing the Government's process. So people from every walk of life are unhappy with the way this is being handled - and that must send a strong message to the Government to listen and take action to change things, while they still can. It's not too late to make the new Auckland into a democratic city, not a corporate one, and have an Auckland Council that all Aucklanders can feel part of and proud of.”
The total number of valid votes cast in 8 days was 8973.
Thursday, May 13, 2010
LAST CHANCE TO VOTE IN SUPERCITY REFERENDUM
PRESS RELEASE - OUR AUCKLAND
For immediate release – Thursday 13 May 2010
Voting closes at 5pm on Friday 14 May in the Super City “People’s Referendum” run by the coalition group Our Auckland.
If you haven’t yet voted it’s not too late to have your say on the shape of the future Auckland that you want.
Our Auckland spokesperson Mels Barton says the campaign has gone well so far. “We’ve had great feedback from all over the Region with people calling and emailing to say thanks for doing this and giving us a voice.”
“We want everyone to participate and tell the Government what kind of Auckland they want – a democratic or a corporate city – it’s our Auckland and our future at stake here. So vote now and make sure your family and friends vote too.”
You can vote online at www.ourauckland.org.nz or at a ballot box. These are located in every library in the Region (other than Franklin where the libraries are not Council-run).
Anyone wishing to help the campaign should contact the team on ourauckland@gmail.com or call the hotline on 021 210 1711.
The results will be published in The Aucklander on Thursday 20 May.
For immediate release – Thursday 13 May 2010
Voting closes at 5pm on Friday 14 May in the Super City “People’s Referendum” run by the coalition group Our Auckland.
If you haven’t yet voted it’s not too late to have your say on the shape of the future Auckland that you want.
Our Auckland spokesperson Mels Barton says the campaign has gone well so far. “We’ve had great feedback from all over the Region with people calling and emailing to say thanks for doing this and giving us a voice.”
“We want everyone to participate and tell the Government what kind of Auckland they want – a democratic or a corporate city – it’s our Auckland and our future at stake here. So vote now and make sure your family and friends vote too.”
You can vote online at www.ourauckland.org.nz or at a ballot box. These are located in every library in the Region (other than Franklin where the libraries are not Council-run).
Anyone wishing to help the campaign should contact the team on ourauckland@gmail.com or call the hotline on 021 210 1711.
The results will be published in The Aucklander on Thursday 20 May.
Tuesday, May 4, 2010
MAKE SURE YOU HAVE YOUR SAY ON THE SUPER CITY
PRESS RELEASE
For immediate release: Wednesday 5 May 2010
Our Auckland invites everyone interested in the Super City Referendum to help spread the word about Our Auckland's “Weekend of Action” by attending a meeting at 10am on Saturday 8 May at the Ponsonby Community Centre.
“We want everyone to have their say on the Super City, and not everyone has access to the internet, so our aim is to get ballot papers and ballot boxes out to every corner and community of the Auckland Region. To do that we need help so come along and pick up a voting pack for your group or community,” says spokesperson Mels Barton from Waitakere City.
“We only have eight days for voting from May 6-14, so getting people involved is vital. We need everyone to spread the word and make sure everyone casts their vote - it's the only one you're going to get.”
Voting will be possible via the Our Auckland website at www.ourauckland.org.nz and a ballot paper will be printed in The Aucklander newspaper (free with the NZ Herald on Thursday 6 May). There will also be a more detailed survey on the website for people to express their views.
Photocopies of the ballot paper are welcome, and completed papers can be sent to Our Auckland, The Aucklander, PO Box 32, Auckland Mail Centre. Ballot boxes will also be available at libraries in North Shore City and Rodney District.
Volunteers can also sign up to the Our Auckland group on Facebook, via the website at www.ourauckland.org.nz or follow OurAuckland on Twitter.
The Our Auckland campaign hotline is 021 210 1711.
For immediate release: Wednesday 5 May 2010
Our Auckland invites everyone interested in the Super City Referendum to help spread the word about Our Auckland's “Weekend of Action” by attending a meeting at 10am on Saturday 8 May at the Ponsonby Community Centre.
“We want everyone to have their say on the Super City, and not everyone has access to the internet, so our aim is to get ballot papers and ballot boxes out to every corner and community of the Auckland Region. To do that we need help so come along and pick up a voting pack for your group or community,” says spokesperson Mels Barton from Waitakere City.
“We only have eight days for voting from May 6-14, so getting people involved is vital. We need everyone to spread the word and make sure everyone casts their vote - it's the only one you're going to get.”
Voting will be possible via the Our Auckland website at www.ourauckland.org.nz and a ballot paper will be printed in The Aucklander newspaper (free with the NZ Herald on Thursday 6 May). There will also be a more detailed survey on the website for people to express their views.
Photocopies of the ballot paper are welcome, and completed papers can be sent to Our Auckland, The Aucklander, PO Box 32, Auckland Mail Centre. Ballot boxes will also be available at libraries in North Shore City and Rodney District.
Volunteers can also sign up to the Our Auckland group on Facebook, via the website at www.ourauckland.org.nz or follow OurAuckland on Twitter.
The Our Auckland campaign hotline is 021 210 1711.
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