Grassroots Action Group

Interview with Dr Mels Barton on Green Planet FM

2011-05-26T05:55:00.001-07:00

Interview with Dr Mels Barton on Green Planet FM

Oram Hammers Government's Lame Thinking on Auckland

2011-03-20T01:30:00.000-07:00

Reprinted below is the text of an article from economist Rod Oram published in the Sunday Star Times. It hits the nail on the head.

You also have the chance to be a part of the debate on Auckland's future. If you'd like to attend the launch of the draft spatial plan on Weds 23 March "Auckland Unleashed" please email Stella Gaseata asap.
Wednesday 23 March 2011
8.45am - 4.30pm
Lower NZI Room, Aotea Centre

Your views on this document will be vital in ensuring future development occurs in the RIGHT places for our Region and does not damage our special places. No doubt there will be conflict, but it will be up to the people of Auckland to decide, so make sure you have your say.
cheers
Mels

Dear All,
Rod Oram has written a strong critique of the recently released Cabinet Papers [see links below] seeking to prescribe the future of the Super City.
I encourage you to distribute it far and wide - as many Aucklander's as possible need to know about this stuff as the debate just getting underway
represents a significant crossroads for the future of our city/region.

Auckland at the Crossroads - Rod Oram
published in the Sunday Star Times (20-3-2011, p. D24)

The Auckland Plan is a moment of opportunity for the super city.

On Wednesday, a great fight for the heart, soul and wellbeing of Aucklanders begins. But don’t worry. It’s not all about Auckland. If the region gets this right, the rest of the country will benefit strongly from more effective approaches to development.

In one corner stands the Auckland Council led by mayor Len Brown. It will present its view of the city’s future when it delivers that day a discussion document on the Auckland Plan.

The paper will look at the region in a new way. For the first time, it will bring together data, analysis and insights on the human, economic, environmental, social, cultural and other factors that make Auckland what it is today.

Crucially, though, it will use this new analysis to show us options for the region’s future. It’s up to Aucklanders to consider, debate, agree and act with the new powers the region gained through the creation of the super city.

It’s a big challenge. Auckland will gain 600,000 people in the next 20 years to make a population of 2 million, according to current projections.

In the other corner stands the Key government, led on these Auckland issues by Rodney Hide, minister of local government. Last week, the cabinet released a set of eight papers giving its very entrenched positions on Auckland’s future.

What a miserable view it was. When Hide and his ministerial colleagues think of Auckland they imagine only more of the same, warts and all. In their view, Auckland has to ooze out across the landscape in low-value, low-growth ways.

They believe this is the only way to deliver enough cheap land for housing and businesses; and roads are the only way to link people.

Three flaws make nonsense of the government’s view:

> First, it fails to consider what Auckland can and has to be if it’s to meet its people’s aspirations.

> Second, it asks the wrong questions and thus comes to the wrong conclusions about why the past efforts such as the previous regional growth strategy didn’t work as well as expected.

> Finally, as a result, it concludes that Auckland can only keep growing the inadequate way it has, though hopefully somewhat more efficiently.

_________

This failure of government ambition, analysis and strategy is no surprise. It has made the same mistakes with its economic and fiscal strategies for the country.

At the core of the government’s position on Auckland is its view on the growth strategy for 1996-2050 set by the Auckland Regional Council. The ARC sought to meet almost 75% of urban growth over that long period within existing urban limits, of which 44% would be achieved by increased population density. So far, these goals have been partially achieved.

The government says this is a strategic failure, which among other things has driven up the cost of land and thus made housing less affordable. It argues instead that Auckland should be allowed to spread out so land is plentiful and optimal use can be made of its investment in more roads.

But the government’s desire to perpetuate low-density growth flies in the face of international studies. These show that higher-density (with the right transport to serve it) improves the network effect of the economy and this generates higher-value activity.

Indeed, the government argues in part against its own position by pointing out that the CBD has attracted more residents and most new office jobs. These are the sort of high-value service jobs which are one of the best hopes for internationalizing the Auckland economy and lifting incomes.

The government hasn’t asked itself a crucial question. If it had invested more in public transport over the past 15 years and given local government effective tools for turning strategy into action, would Auckland have achieved less traffic congestion, higher (yet attractive) urban density and more valuable jobs?

Thankfully, the Auckland Council has asked. Its studies show that investing in the CBD rail loop can deliver those benefits.

Likewise, the 30-year Auckland Regional Land Transport Strategy, finalized last year, makes the case for investing 42% of transport funds in public transport to support regional growth and 53% in roads.

But the cabinet says funding should largely follow existing transport patterns whereby only 4% of trips were on public transport, mainly bus, and almost 80% were by car. It quotes, though, 2006 data, which ignore the strong growth in public transport since.

Yet the government goes on to acknowledge there’s very little space to build more roads. Instead it suggests the city use demand management, road pricing and the like to slow the rate of traffic growth. But why should the government force the city to take such unpopular measures when it and its Labour predecessor ran away from them?

People would get out of their cars if they had better public transport. Demand management means they will pay more and/or travel less, two big economic negatives.

The government is also pushing financial measures on Auckland, such as asset sales, that it is struggling to justify taking itself.

The cabinet papers are equally lame on economic development. Its only suggestions are more efficient regulation, cheaper land and a convention centre.

The whole point of creating the super city and the spatial plan to guide it was to find bold, valuable things for Auckland to do and effective new ways to deliver them.

Yet the government has cut itself off from helping to create such a future. Only once in 57 pages of cabinet papers does it concede that the people and politicians of Auckland, through their spatial plan, could come up with ideas, evidence and actions that might persuade it to change its old failed thinking.

So, the government has a choice: join the cause or lose the Auckland vote.

_________

link to Rodney Hide media release:
http://www.beehive.govt.nz/release/minister-releases-papers-outlining-government’s-aspirations-auckland-spatial-plan

link to the cabinet papers:
http://www.dia.govt.nz/diawebsite.nsf/wpg_URL/Legislative-Reviews-Royal-Commission-on-Auckland-Governance-Index?OpenDocument

Lobbying Leads to Listening on Trees

2011-02-08T02:50:00.000-08:00

Thanks no doubt to the amount of email traffic flying around on the issue of tree nominations for scheduling in the Whau Ward the Local Board had a change of heart at their meeting tonight in New Lynn.

After listening to a public forum plea by Mels Barton to not only allow the public to nominate trees via their Board, but to be proactive and encourage public involvement in the process, the agenda debate took an interesting turn.

The recommendation that the Whau Local Board nominate trees itself for scheduling was lost, with only mover Catherine Farmer (Future West) and seconder & Chair Derek Battersby (Independent) voting for it. Members Duncan McDonald, Kathryn Davie, Sandy Taylor and Lily Ho all voted against.

Battersby then moved a recommendation that the Board invite nominations from the public for scheduling. This motion was amended by Catherine Farmer to enable the Board to advertise to encourage nominations and this was eventually supported unanimously by the Board.

So common sense finally prevails and the good people of the Whau ward will be able to nominate notable trees to be included in the District Plan schedule via their Local Board by 31 March.

Unfortunately those nominations will not actually be supported by the Board, who clearly don't want to be seen taking sides with the trees, but at least they will be passed onto Council for processing rather than being blocked.

In fact Duncan McDonald seemed more concerned about the fact that he might be prevented from sitting on consent hearings for chopping trees down until it was pointed out that there wouldn't be any more of these once the blanket protection was lifted. Sorry Duncan you'll need to find another job after 2012 - you can thank Nick Smith for that one!

So lets hope the Whau community takes the opportunity to nominate all its culturally, historically and ecologically notable trees to its Board so that beyond 1 Jan 2012 there may be some greenery left in the Whau.

Tree scheduling tests democracy in new Local Boards

2011-02-06T03:16:00.000-08:00

An early test of the attitude of Local Boards towards their community's participation in decision making has developed in west Auckland. Whau Local Board Chair Derek Battersby has stated that his Local Board will not be nominating any trees in his ward for scheduling, because private property rights (to chop them down) are more important.

He has even prevented one of his elected Local Board members from placing a Notice of Motion regarding the issue at the next meeting planned for Tues 8 Feb, 6.30pm at the Board's offices at 31 Totara Ave, New Lynn. This is entirely undemocratic and against the standing orders of the Board to prevent members from raising issues by refusing to accept an Order of Motion presented within the appropriate deadlines.

The Whau ward covers Green Bay, New Lynn and Avondale and has one of the lowest levels of trees nominated for scheduling in the Region. Battersby, who lives in tree-covered (but for how long?) Titirangi, makes no secret of his support for the removal of blanket tree protection.

Under the RMA Amendment Act introduced by the National Government in 2010 the blanket tree protection for native trees on private land will be removed and from 1 Jan 2012 anyone can chop down any tree (including kauri) without the need for a consent or any consultation, even with their neighbours whose property may be directly affected by their actions.

Waitakere City, North Shore and the Auckland Regional Council, supported by the Waitakere Ranges Protection Society and various Heritage Area R&R groups made an application to the Environment Court prior to the amalgamation for a declaration on whether the "Managed Natural Areas" (and other specific groups of trees) already identified in District Plans count as "a group of trees" under the new legislation. If the answer is yes then the blanket protection will remain. If it is no then places like Titirangi may face large scale clearance next year, potentially having serious consequences for slope stability and stormwater runoff. The answer is expected later this year.

In the meantime, The Tree Council, Waitakere Ranges Protection Society & others have petitioned Mayor Len Brown and Councilors successfully to set up a policy group including council staff and experts from external organisations to brainstorm a new approach to tree protection policy for urban Auckland that everyone can live with. This group has met once so far and is currently working on a paper of proposals.

With the clock ticking however Local Boards have been given the job of nominating notable trees in their wards for scheduling. For some reason (and on who's authority?) council staff have decided that only the Boards themselves and not the public may nominate trees. Some Boards are asking their community for input and taking a pro-active approach to the issue, even going so far as walking the entire ward. But not so in the Whau where it would appear the trees are doomed unless Derek can be persuaded to listen to his electorate.

You can take the initiative for your street and suggest trees for scheduling to your Local Board by downloading this form, completing it and sending it in by 31 March. It would be prudent to attend your Local Board meeting's public forum and ask to speak to ensure your suggestions will be accepted and put forward by your Board.

A list of the Local Board meetings is here.

Download more information on the new tree rules here.

AUCKLAND SUPERCITY ELECTION RESULTS OVERWHELMING

2010-10-10T16:39:00.000-07:00

I'm not really sure what to say after being totally overwhelmed by the results this weekend. I think the reality of what has been achieved is now starting to sink in.

So I would like to say a massive THANK YOU to everyone for helping with the campaign, voting & supporting the candidates that can really make Auckland into the super City we truly deserve.
Len Brown IS the man for the job & I want to pass on my heartfelt congratulations and full support to him. The most important thing we can do now is work together to make sure he can achieve the results Auckland so desperately needs to move forward.

It has been a long and arduous road to get to this point from the day Rodney Hide threw away the Royal Commission's report. I certainly feel like I've fought every step of every day since then. Now I want to turn my efforts into something more positive to make this City work for all of us.

Democracy has been returned to Auckland by the people, for the people, with bells on. We have the right man for Mayor & a left wing Council. The Local Boards are a mixed bag, some are full of fantastic people, others will be more challenging, but together we can and will make a difference if we continue to participate and support them. The most important thing will be to ensure that local people do feel included and listened to & that their unique community identities are retained - this is the promise of the left that we must deliver on & we can all help to achieve that.

The successful candidates have a huge job on their hands & their remuneration is a pittance compared to the undoubted workload they will face, so I wish them all luck and strength in their quest - congratulations to all of them. I will continue with my work to feed them the information they need to make quality, informed decisions on the issues that matter to me and my community, which just got a whole lot bigger.

There's just one person I want to single out for special praise & that's Greg Presland, the Chair of Future West and now new Local Board member for the Waitakere Ranges. Congratulations Greg and thanks for running such a professional & smooth campaign for Future West. It has been an absolute pleasure & very easy to work alongside you, I certainly don't feel anyone could've done more than you to deliver the right results for the west & we should all be incredibly grateful to you. I have learned heaps, thoroughly enjoyed myself & am looking forward to doing it all again in 3 yrs time :)

Auckland has taken back the power of its own destiny from those who would strip it from us. The Government has been sent a very strong message they would do well to listen to. Roll on the General Election - and here's to Auckland - our super City.
cheers
Mels Barton
President, GAG
Secretary, Future West

PS there have been some excellent articles analysing the results I've listed below FYI as well as links to the full results in case you haven't seen them.

The full results on the www.elections2010.co.nz website:
http://www.elections2010.co.nz/2010/elections/auckland-council#auckland-council-whau-ward

Left Leaning Council for Len Brown by Bernard Orsman & Michael Dickison:
http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=10679299

Left wing flying high over the Supercity by Matt McCarten:
http://www.nzherald.co.nz/opinion/news/article.cfm?c_id=466&objectid=10679363

Super Len to lead Supercity by Kieran Nash:
http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=10679464

Power shifts to Auckland by Jonathan Milne:
http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=10679481

Left, right & centre - it's a council for all by Bernard Orsman:
http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=10679675

Names at top of alphabet sweep DHB seats by Martin Johnston:
http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=10679646

Brown's lefty hordes show the big boys who's in charge by Brian Rudman:
http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=10679672

Brown's town just got a lot bigger by Frances Morton:
http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=10679400

Articles "Thanks for your support" by Greg Presland and "This is only the beginning" by our youngest candidate Lincoln Dam on the Future West website:
http://futurewest.org.nz/

FUTURE WEST & FUTURE WHAU FUNDRAISING EVENTS

2010-09-06T04:48:00.000-07:00

GAG is part of the Future West coalition, working hard to get great people elected to the new Local Boards for the Waitakere and Whau wards.

Please support our fundraising events below or contact Mels Barton on mels@wombatsenvironmental.co.nz to make a donation.

Details of Future West's principles and profiles of all our candidates are on www.futurewest.org.nz

DINNER AT HANDI RESTAURANT
Thursday 16th September, 6.30pm
421 Titirangi Road, Titirangi Village.
Down driveway behind the Shell Petrol station, opposite The Hardware Cafe.
Enjoy the wonderful atmosphere and tasty food with bush and city views.
$25 per person includes four curries (Buffet) rice and naan. Wine $4, Juice $2

BAGEL BRUNCH AT EARTHSONG ECO-NEIGHBOURHOOD
Sunday 19th September, 10am
Meet the candidates and enjoy bagels, freshly-squeezed juices and espresso coffee in the beautiful, relaxed surroundings of New Zealands first and only co-housing neighbourhood.
$20 per person
Earthsong, Swanson Rd, Ranui.

FUTURE WEST CANDIDATES ANNOUNCED

2010-09-06T04:41:00.000-07:00

PRESS RELEASE – For immediate release, 24 August 2010

The Future West team has selected the candidates they wish to stand in the Waitakere Ward for the Auckland Council elections in October under the banner “Future West”.

The values Future West candidates are campaigning on include:
- keeping public assets in public ownership, no privatisation;
- restoring local democracy;
- retaining local identity for communities and ensuring they have a strong voice.

“The candidates that we have picked to stand for the Future West team have a great mixture of skills, experience, background, age, enthusiasm and ethnicity that we think reflects the diversity of the ward” says Future West Chair Greg Presland.

“The candidates we have selected represent the grassroots community and will be working together to restore democracy to the Super City for the future of everyone in the Waitakere Ranges, Henderson and Massey” says GAG President Mels Barton.

The candidates standing for the Waitakere Ranges Local Board in the Waitakere Ward for Future West are:

Greg Presland
Denise Yates
Neil Henderson
Steve Tollestrup

The candidates standing for the Henderson-Massey Local Board in the Waitakere Ward for Future West are:

Jeremy Greenbrook-Held
Melody Shinnick
Gary Stewart
Lyndon Walker
Lincoln Dam
Richard Prakash

The candidates standing for the Portage Licensing Trust for Future West are:

Ami Chand
Neil Henderson
Brett Austin

The candidate standing for the Waitakere Licensing Trust for Future West is:

Jeremy Greenbrook-Held

More details regarding all candidates are available on the Future West and City Vision websites at www.futurewest.org.nz

Future West is a coalition of the Labour Party, Green Party and independent community groups.

ENDS

DR MELS BARTON ON THE VINNIE EASTWOOD SHOW

2010-07-19T17:01:00.000-07:00

Mels Barton will be interviewed live on the Vinnie Eastwood show, broadcasting in the United States on Weds 21 July at 7am (NZ local time).

You can listen to the show online here www.thevinnyeastwoodshow.com

The Vinnie Eastwood Show is part of American Freedom Radio www.americanfreedomradio.com

FUTURE WHAU AND PORTAGE CANDIDATES ANNOUNCED

2010-07-12T16:17:00.000-07:00

PRESS RELEASE – For immediate release, Tuesday 13 July 2010

The Future West and City Vision teams have selected the candidates they wish to stand in the Whau Ward for the Auckland Council elections in October under the banner “Future Whau”.

“The candidates that we have picked to stand for the Future Whau team have a great range of skills, experience, background, age and ethnicity that we think reflects the diversity of the ward” says Future West Chair Greg Presland.

“Future West and City Vision are working together to pool resources and get the best outcome for the people of the Whau Ward” says City Vision Chair Robert Gallagher.

“The candidates we have selected represent the grassroots community and will be working together to restore democracy to the Super City for the future of everyone in the Whau” says GAG President Mels Barton.

The candidates standing for the Local Board in the Whau Ward for Future Whau are:

Nick Bakulich
Catherine Farmer
Cherie Jamieson
Gary Marshall
Ann Pala
Eve Robertson
Imi Tovia

The candidates standing for the Portage Licensing Trust for Future West are:

Catherine Farmer
Margi Watson
Lorraine Wilson

More details regarding all candidates will be available on the Future West and City Vision websites at www.futurewest.org.nz or cityvision.org.nz once all selections are complete.

Future West and City Vision are coalitions of the Labour Party, Green Party and independent community groups.

Dr Mels Barton. Ecology of a Supercity, Governance and Democracy

2010-07-01T04:43:00.000-07:00

GreenplanetFM 104.6 Thursday 1st July 8-9am

Dr Mels Barton. Ecology of a Supercity, Governance and Democracy

Listen online at any time by clicking here.

Listen to a clear and lucid understanding of what the many grass roots and
volunteer groups are doing to make NZ sustainable and the excellent work
they do, what charitable trusts support them, how local government needs
more consciousness to see that an ecological approach to environment,
health and community are critical to where we are going as a nation.

That at a national level, the Government still sees the environment as
'something' to exploit, when for example, in England Marks and Spence the
huge super store has gone sustainable and is producing larger profits,
because of going more into organics and a healthier lifestyle.

On top of this the NZ Resource Management Act is perceived as woolly, in
that there are no numbers in it, no targets, or standards, and that we are
20 years behind Europe in writing and complying with policy. When in fact
we could be the planetary leader!

Finally, an exceptionally clear summary about the Supercity, Governance
and Loss of Democracy. Plus, what is the Search and Surveillance Bill that
is being foisted upon us, a peaceful nation of only 4 million kiwis? Why
such draconian measures and who it there right mind would conjure up such
a hideous concept?

GreenplanetFM 104.6 Thur 1 July 8-9am

Dr Mels Barton
http://www.gag.net.nz
http://www.ourauckland.org.nz
http://pavingparadise.net
http://www.waitakereranges.org.nz

With Tim Lynch in Mobilising Consciousness

STOP PRIVATISATION PUBLIC MEETING

2010-06-28T03:29:00.000-07:00

No corporate control over our water!
Investigate United Water's 7 New Zealand contracts - were they based on misrepresented pricing?

Monday 5 July, 7.30pm at Freemans Bay Community Centre, 52 Hepburn St, Ponsonby.

Confirmed speakers:
Penny Bright - Water Pressuregroup Spokesperson
Tony Holman - North Shore City Councillor
Allan McCullough - Grey Power Auckland Regional Director
Phil Twyford MP - Labour Party Auckland Issues Spokesperson
Winston Peters - Leader, New Zealand First

Invited Speakers:
Rodney Hide - Minister for Local Government
Mark Ford - Executive Chair, Auckland Transition Agency
Green Party Speaker
National Party Speaker
Maori Party Speaker

More details at www.stopprivatisation.org.nz

MAKE A SUBMISSION ON PRIVATISATION

2010-06-08T06:08:00.000-07:00

The Labour Party have written a guide on making a submission on the Local Government Amendment Bill, which you can download here:
http://blog.labour.org.nz/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/Guide-to-Making-a-Submission-on-the-Local-Government-Act-2002-Amendment-Bill.pdf

COMMUNITY RALLIES AGAINST WATER PRIVATISATION

2010-06-08T06:05:00.000-07:00

PRESS RELEASE
For immediate release: Tuesday 8 June 2010

COMMUNITY RALLIES AGAINST WATER PRIVATISATION

Community groups from all around the country will gather at their local town hall or council offices on Saturday 12 June from 12-2pm to protest against privatisation of water and other public assets.

Rallies are being organised for a National Day of Action Against Privatisation at town halls throughout New Zealand, as well as in Australia, and the organisers hope to get a good turnout from the public. In West Auckland the Grassroots Action Group (GAG) is working with others to put on the event at Waitakere City Council.

“No one should profit from water - it is a natural monopoly, a necessity of life, and a human right,” says GAG spokesperson Mels Barton. “The Government is making it easy for private companies in New Zealand to do exactly that and selling our water to foreign investors.”

On Tuesday 4 May 2010 the Local Government Amendment Bill passed its first reading in New Zealand Parliament. While the government is denying this, the Bill allows councils to privatise water. They will be able to:

* Enter into contracts with private companies to run water services for up to 35 years (the current limit is 15 years);
* Allow private companies to own and control water infrastructure for the duration of these contracts (the current legislation requires councils to retain ownership and control of water).

The long-term leases the Bill allows for are the dominant model of water privatisation in the world. It is very rare for councils or governments to sell off the water asset entirely. Long-term leases work in the private companies’ favour as they can make profit from water while the public sector retains long-term costs and responsibility.

Internationally the model that has been proposed is shown to lead to higher water costs, less accountability and reduced services. The global water industry is dominated by two mega companies Suez and Veolia. A subsidiary of Veolia is United Water who is already active in New Zealand.

Mels Barton says the event is very important for the public to attend. “We will be encouraging people to make submissions to the select committee on the Government’s proposals and give them the strong message that privatising New Zealand’s water is not an option.”

National Day of Action Against Privatisation - Saturday, 12 June 2010

2010-06-06T23:09:00.000-07:00

No one should profit from water - it is a natural monopoly, a necessity of life, and a human right.

On Tuesday 4 May 2010 the Local Government Amendment Bill passed its first reading in New Zealand Parliament. While the government is denying this, the Bill allows councils to privatise water. They will be able to:

* Enter into contracts with private companies to run water services for up to 35 years (the current limit is 15 years)
* Allow private companies to own and control water infrastructure for the duration of these contracts (the current legislation requires councils to retain ownership and control of water)

The long-term leases the Bill allows for are the dominant model of water privatisation in the world. It is very rare for councils or governments to sell off the water asset entirely. Long term leases work in private companies favour as they can make profit from water while the public sector retains long-term costs and responsibilty.

Internationally the model that has been proposed is shown to lead to higher water costs, less accountability and reduced services. The global water industry is dominated by two mega companies Suez and Veolia. A subsidary of Veolia is United Water and already active in New Zealand.

Get organised with your friends, whanau, church, school, club to oppose water privatisation. Join the National Day of Action in your area. Even if you can't attend, please click 'Invite people to come' and let others know about it.

Whangarei
12 noon - 2.00pm
Proposed Rally outside Whangerei District Council Chambers, Forum North Building, Rust Avenue, Whangarei
Assistance needed with placards / speakers
Contact: Claire Swinney, (09) 430 7252 or 021-0732885

North Shore City
12 noon - 2.00pm
Rally outside North Shore City Council Chambers
1 The Strand, Takapuna
Contact: Kerry Bevan: (09) 473 3747 or Percy Allison on (09) 443 0369

Waitakere City
12 noon - 2.00pm
Rally outside Waitakere City Council Chambers
6 Henderson Valley Road, Henderson, Waitakere
Contact: Mered Barrar: (09) 836 6389

Auckland
12.00-2.00pm,
Rally outside Auckland Town Hall.
Contact Penny Bright: waterpressure@gmail.com or (09) 846 9825 or 021 211 4127
Website: www.stopprivatisation.org.nz/

Manukau City
12 noon - 2.00pm
Rally outside Manakau City Council Chambers
31-33 Wiri Station Road (opposite Manukau District Court), Manukau City Centre
Contact: Bill Wiki by email or 021 058 6538

Franklin District Council
12 noon - 2pm
Outside Franklin District Council Chambers
82 Manukau Road, Pukekohe
Contact: Judy Spencer (09) 236 3899 or Margaret Swift Ph Judy (09) 236 3899
Or email Franklin against Water Privatisation: thestudio@paradise.net.nz

Hamilton
12.00-2.00pm (ring to confirm)
Rally outside Hamilton City Council Chambers
Contact: Mischelle Rhodes: tommopmog@gmail.com or (07) 847 7405

Kapiti Coast
Coastlands stall and rally,
Contact David Scott: davidscott@ihug.co.nz

Hutt City
12 noon - 2pm
Main Council Building, 30 Laings Road, Lower Hutt
Contact Anna Sutherland: anna@yorkbay.net.nz or 021 349 411

Kapiti Coast
Coastlands stall and rally,
Contact David Scott: davidscott@ihug.co.nz

Wellington
11.30am
Bucket Fountain on Cuba Street. moving at 12.30 to the Wellington City Council Buildings, 101 Wakefield St Wellington
Contact Sam Buchanan: quackysam@hotmail.com
Website: www.righttowater.org.nz

Christchurch, NB Sunday not Saturday
Sunday 13th June, 3pm
Cathedral Square, Cathedral will be open if its wet
Contact Eugenie Sage (03) 329 8177
Website: www.ourwaterourvote.org.nz

Dunedin
12.00-2.00pm
Dunedin Council Chambers, Civic Centre, 50 The Octogan
Contact Fliss Butcher: (03) 477 9972
or Lyndon Weggery: LWeggery@hotmail.com

LAST CHANCE TO PARTICIPATE IN SUPER CITY DEBATE

2010-05-31T05:51:00.000-07:00

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.

OPEN LETTER TO GOVERNMENT

2010-05-30T05:17:00.000-07:00

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

OUR AUCKLAND DELIVERS OPEN LETTER TO GOVERNMENT

2010-05-30T05:16:00.000-07:00

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.”

BE PART OF THE DEBATE ON OUR AUCKLAND

2010-05-25T17:22:00.000-07:00

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.”

People power? But we're still being ignored

2010-05-25T06:22:00.000-07:00

While the NZ Herald reckons the Govt has done a u-turn on the Super City, the more astute can see the concessions are minor.

TINKERING NOT ENOUGH FOR OUR AUCKLAND

2010-05-24T14:08:00.000-07:00

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.”

SELECT COMMITTEE REPORT RELEASED

2010-05-23T21:39:00.000-07:00

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.

AUCKLANDERS REJECT GOVERNMENT PROCESS ON SUPERCITY

2010-05-20T00:09:00.000-07:00

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.

LAST CHANCE TO VOTE IN SUPERCITY REFERENDUM

2010-05-13T05:26:00.000-07:00

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.

MAKE SURE YOU HAVE YOUR SAY ON THE SUPER CITY

2010-05-04T06:16:00.000-07:00

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.

OUR AUCKLAND gives you your say at last

2010-04-28T22:09:00.000-07:00

The Aucklander has launched the OUR AUCKLAND campaign today to give Aucklanders their right to have a say on the "Super City". Read all about it here:
http://www.theaucklander.co.nz/local/news/our-auckland/3913141/

John Key on Auckland

2010-04-28T22:08:00.001-07:00

Read what John Key had to say in Question Time when pressed on Auckland issues here:
http://www.parliament.nz/en-NZ/PB/Business/QOA/0/9/7/49HansQ_20100427_00000003-3-Auckland-Local-Government-Reform-Input.htm

HAVE YOUR SAY ON OUR AUCKLAND

2010-04-27T22:06:00.000-07:00

PRESS RELEASE

Embargoed until 8am on Wednesday 28 April 2010.

HAVE YOUR SAY ON OUR AUCKLAND

A regionwide coalition called Our Auckland is urging Aucklanders to have a say on the Government’s “Super City” proposals.

Formed by a broad range of community groups and individuals from across the Auckland Region, the group plans to launch its campaign on Thursday 29 April.

Our Auckland spokesperson Mels Barton said “Despite the Government promising to consult Aucklanders’ about their plans for the reorganisation of councils in the Region, they have never done so. We think it’s about time someone asked ordinary people for their views, since they are the ones paying for these changes. The Government hasn’t done it, so we will, because after all it’s our city, our assets and our rates and Aucklanders deserve to have a say.”

Find out more by reading The Aucklander on Thursday 29 April (The Aucklander comes free with the NZ Herald or from your local library).

The Our Auckland website will go live this week at www.ourauckland.org.nz

Comment:
Mels Barton 09 816 8337 or 021 213 7779

Phil Goff's speech on Auckland 26 April 2010

2010-04-26T03:16:00.000-07:00

You can read Phil Goff's speech on what Labour will do about the Super City if elected here.

Just to clarify, he was asked a question re Maori representation and confirmed that yes Labour continued to support Maori seats on the Auckland Council.

Phil Goff speaks about Labour's vision for Auckland

2010-04-23T03:49:00.000-07:00

Labour leader Phil Goff is going to give a major speech, setting out Labour's vision for Auckland and their plans to fix the Super City.

You are welcome to bring friends and family along if they're available. The speech is open to the public.

Monday, April 26, 2010
12:00pm - 2:00pm
Mt Albert War Memorial Hall, Corner Wairere Avenue and New North Road, Mt Albert

Supercity Concerns Real

2010-04-20T04:59:00.000-07:00

Manukau Courier
Last updated 05:00 20/04/2010
http://www.stuff.co.nz/auckland/local-news/manukau-courier/3596471/Supercity-concerns-real

OPPOSITION to the new Auckland supercity structure is well-founded and not simply a media campaign as claimed by Local Government Minister Rodney Hide, Manukau mayor Len Brown says.

Speaking on talkback radio last week Mr Hide claimed most of the issues around the Auckland supercity have been substantially misrepresented.

Criticism of the structure of the new community boards and the set up of council controlled organisations amounts to a political media campaign, rather than a considered analysis, he says.

But Mr Brown says there is a genuine lack of knowledge about what is happening in the community.

"At the many public meetings I am doing around the region, I spend a lot of time explaining the structure and how the council will function," he says.

"The Government only has itself to blame for that and the widespread concerns. The supercity plan put forward by the Royal Commission has been substantially altered and many in the Auckland region now fear for their local voice in the new structure." He says the Government has made a number of major mistakes including:

- It needed to put into legislation clear roles, functions and responsibilities for the local boards. It refuses to do so;

- It should not have legislated for council-controlled organisations – these should have been left to the new council to decide and establish;

- It should not have established a powerful transport council-controlled organisation when that will be a key issue for the new mayor and council to grapple with;

- Having bulldozed ahead with the council-controlled organisations, the Government should be giving councils a say on the directors but it refuses to do so.

"Failing to listen to the concerns of Aucklanders is the reason for widespread discontent – not any media campaign," Mr Brown says.

"Mr Hide and the Government still have time to amend the third bill. `If they did so they might find some of the opposition might lessen."

Alex Swney: One simple step to avoid spectacular failure

2010-04-18T03:46:00.000-07:00

* Alex Swney is chief executive officer of Auckland's Heart of the City business organisation.

4:00 AM Thursday Apr 15, 2010

The message came from Apollo 13 40 years ago: "Houston, we have a problem." A similar message sounds over Auckland today.

Proposals for Auckland to be run by seven large council-controlled organisations with appointed boards have quite rightly drawn a lot of flak. The current proposals render Auckland's elected representatives - our mayor, councillors and local board members - relatively impotent.

We need to modify the proposals to restore elected representative authority and power, giving our mayor and councillors more direct and fast control over all of the operations of the city council and its implementation agencies.

If you want Aucklanders to engage with local government, you don't go hiding decisions in the board rooms of appointed directors.

Luckily for the Government, the change required is straightforward and feasible. Keep the controlled organisations but drop the appointed boards. They would essentially add a contradictory third tier to the two-tier (one council, 20 local boards) system we have finally decided on.

Surely the Minister of "getting back to basics", Rodney Hide, isn't supporting what is, in effect, an extra tier of government?

There has been plenty of opposition raised about the unelected council-controlled organisations. The recent Herald headline "Who'd be mayor if you can head a CCO" successfully summarised much of it.

The suggestion past politicians have failed Auckland so now we must replace them is off beam and provides no justification for having unelected appointed directors running the show.

What happened in the past is we've had eight councils and eight bureaucracies - that has been the problem.

Appointed directors will have too much power with no requirement to listen to the public. These organisations are going to make decisions which shape our communities, and we and our elected representatives should have greater control over them than that offered by Statements of Intent and the Local Government Official Information and Meetings Act.

For example, a deal was struck between the Ports of Auckland, Sea+City and Golden Bay Cement for the latter to build a cement distribution centre on the waterfront, underpinned by a 35-year lease. Yes, we need to look at supporting commerce, but the point here is the ink was dry on the contracts before elected representatives such as the mayor and the chairman of the Finance Committee even knew about it.

We've finally got rid of seven councils, but under this proposal all we are doing is replacing seven cities with seven council-controlled organisations, which will have their own boards, chief executives, senior management teams, communications and media teams, legal advisers, planners, consultants and more. That spells more fragmentation, more duplication, more cost and less cohesion.

We now have the Auckland Regional Council, Auckland City, Auckland Regional Holdings, Sea+City, Ports of Auckland and Auckland Regional Transport Authority all having some say about our waterfront today. Under the new proposals, we'll have the Auckland Council, Council Investments, the Waterfront Development Agency, Ports of Auckland and the Transport Authority all having a say tomorrow. What has really changed?

Policies, priorities, plans and even large projects should be determined by the mayor, council and local boards and the work of the controlled organisations, where they are needed, limited primarily to implementation.

All of the issues above can be solved in one simple step: replace the proposed appointed directors with elected representatives. Use the functional committees of council as boards, and have the controlled organisations and chief executive reporting to them.

We should redefine the role of the council-controlled organisations more clearly as organisations that carry out the work agreed on by our elected politicians. After all, it's how they do it at central Government.

Quote from the Ministry of Education's website: "The Ministry of Education works directly for the Minister of Education and Minister for Tertiary Education, and the Associate Ministers of Education." There is no intervening board of directors.

Similarly, the chief executive of Auckland Transport should work directly with the chair of the Land Use and Transport Committee. So would the chief planning officer of council, to get better integration at all levels of council's work.

There is also an opportunity to consider the role of an ombudsman office to provide an impartial source of assistance in the resolution of disputes between council organisations, or the council and the Auckland public.

At present, public issues and concerns are often muffled by the bureaucracy. The independence of an ombudsman would go a long way to correct that.

Retaining the council-controlled organisations but dropping the appointed directors in favour of councillors fixes myriad problems, and the third bill provides the opportunity to make any changes to previous acts to effect this.

If Government ministers do not make this sort of change to their plans, then they run the risk of the Auckland governance changes they are responsible for being remembered in the same vein as Apollo 13 - a "successful failure".

Auckland Community in Danger of being Flogged-off by ATA

2010-04-15T15:28:00.000-07:00

PRESS RELEASE by Dr Grant Gillon

"It is disturbing to learn that the Auckland Transition Authority is assessing community assets, across the region, for their potential for sale" said North Shore City Councillor Grant Gillon today.

North Shore communities will be rightly concerned that an unelected body is eyeing up their hard-earned facilities apparently to pay for Auckland Council transition costs.

I am pleased that Council has for some time worked hard to ensure the stability and security of lease for most if not all of our valued community groups. But it is worrying an appointed body is assessing the City's property for possible disposal. It is also concerning that our community groups might be forced to pay unaffordable 'market rates' for council owned halls and park use.

Most of our facilities sit on reserve status land and should be safe from sale however this does not prevent the imposition, by the ATA, of imposingunaffordable market rentals when leases are up for renewal.

However, there are community groups using Council faciliies in designated commercial or residential areas and not on reserve land. These properties are in danger of being flogged off to pay for Rodney Hide's experiment. Those most at risk include some of our community houses.

"The decision of what community property the Auckland Council should retain or sell must be solely the prerogative of the existing Council and community board members and then after November 1st the incoming elected members of the Auckland Council and the new Local Boards", said Grant Gillon.

Dr Grant Gillon
0274764679
Grant.gillon@northshorecity.govt.nz

North Shore City Council
1 The Strand, Takapuna
Private Bag 93500, Takapuna,
North Shore City, New Zealand

Super City Information

2010-04-13T04:31:00.000-07:00

If you'd like to find out more about what's happening in Auckland's reorganisation of local government there is a lot of information on this AUT site:

http://www.ipp.org.nz/lgpastseminars.htm

Community organises to win ‘Super’ City elections

2010-04-06T00:36:00.000-07:00

A new community coalition, Future West, has formed to make sure West Aucklanders get the best possible outcome from the ‘Super’ city mess. The coalition’s goal is to get strong, progressive local people elected, so the Waitakere way is kept alive in the new, amalgamated structure. The coalition backs community-power and keeping community assets like libraries, pools and water in community control. It wants safer streets, local jobs, better public transport and to see the Eco-City values spread across the region. It also supports Maori representation on Council.

Future West will co-ordinate, support and fundraise for a group of candidates that share these values and invites applications from people interested in standing in the Waitakere and Whau wards for Council, the Local Boards, Health Board and Licensing Trust seats this year. The coalition will be working with the City Vision team to select the best possible candidates for the Whau Ward.

Future West is also asking for volunteers to fundraise, deliver leaflets or display signs. People from all walks of life, all ages and all ethnicities are warmly invited to seek support as candidates or to get involved in the campaign.

The coalition includes independent West Auckland community groups and is supported by both the Green Party and the Labour Party. The first ‘Super’ City elections will be held in October this year and will be crucial in determining the future West Aucklanders enjoy.

For more information, to volunteer or to make a donation contact Mels Barton at mels@wombatsenvironmental.co.nz or phone 816 8337 or 021 213 7779.

Media contact: For more information contact
Mels Barton on 021 213 7779 or mels@wombatsenvironmental.co.nz
Tony Dunn on 021 812 840 or tony.dunn@greens.org.nz
Or Greg Presland on 021998411 or walaw@paradise.net.nz

MEET LEN BROWN

2010-03-15T04:07:00.000-07:00

GAG invites you to meet Len Brown and find out what he can do for West Auckland if he becomes Super Mayor.

Come along, bring your friends, and ask him your questions.

Kelston Community Centre, Great North Road.
Weds 24 March at 7pm

Waitakere District Plan Changes

2010-03-09T04:34:00.000-08:00

Waitakere City Council want to change the District Plan in ways that could seriously damage the Heritage Area.

Watch this video on YouTube to find out how and what you can do to help:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YgIz_mOoKH0

If you'd like to make a submission and email the Waitakere City Councillors to tell them your views, you have until 5pm on Friday 12 March to do so.

All the information you need as well as a Submission Guide and a simple submission form are available on the WRPS website.

Paula Bennett & Anne Tolley "Public" Meeting

2010-03-03T00:53:00.000-08:00

Paula Bennett has invited Education Minister Anne Tolley to come out west and talk about National Standards. Only she seems to be keeping it very quiet for some reason.

A small ad on p8 of the Western Leader isn't really putting it out there.

Obviously they're not expecting many people as they're holding it at Bennett's office, so make sure you bring your own chair.

GAG will be there so please join us at 429 Great North Road, Henderson on Thursday March 4 at 6.30pm

SUBMIT ON THE 3RD SUPER CITY BILL

2010-02-03T02:52:00.000-08:00

The 3rd super city bill is currently open for submissions until 12 Feb.

You can download the bill from here: 
http://www.legislation.govt.nz/bill/government/2009/0112/latest/viewpdf.aspx  

This bill opens the way for privatisation of Auckland's assets, including water. It also describes how council services will be mainly operated by CCOs (Council Controlled Organisations) which will have little democratic control & are essentially semi-privatised. Current egs of CCOs include Metrowater, Watercare and Waitakere Enterprise.  

The bill is vague on what roles the Local Boards will play & what they will be responsible for. In fact its hard to see what the Auckland Council will actually be making decisions on because most of the important stuff will be done by the CCOs, so the Local Boards will have very little of importance delegated to them.   

Democracy... hmmmm. 

You may like to attend one of the public meetings being run by the Labour Party & Greens to learn more about this bill, how it will affect you & how to make a submission.

Details here:
http://labour.org.nz/news/labour-and-greens-run-public-meetings-super-city-bill

Mt Albert/Mt Roskill - 7.00 - 8.30pm, Monday 8th February, Owairaka Primary School, 113-115 Richardson Road, Mt Albert, hosted by Phil Twyford, David Clendon, David Shearer and Carmel Sepuloni

Kumeu Community Hall, Access Road, Kumeu, 8pm Tuesday 9 February. Chaired by Rodney Councillor Suzanne Weld, David Clendon of the Greens and Phil Twyford of Labour will be speaking, meeting hosted in association with the Kumeu Residents and Ratepayers Association.

Su’a William Sio MP and Ross Robertson MP are hosting a meeting in Mangere: 5.30 – 7 pm Monday 8 February at the Nga Tapuwae Hall, 253 Buckland Rd, Mangere.

There is advice on how to make a submission on this bill on the Green's website here:

http://www.greens.org.nz/actionalerts/submission-guide-local-government-auckland-law-reform-bill

But basically its really easy - the secret is to keep it simple:
- Stick to a few key points, no need to write an essay.
- Talk about the main things that concern you, don't try to analyse the bill itself.
- Illustrate with real examples and tell your story, make it personal it will have more impact.
- Say you want to speak to your submission, then when you do you can provide extra written information if you want to (get 3 bites at the cherry of making your point).
- Go to your MP (especially if they are National or ACT) and tell them you are unhappy with the undemocratic way this is being forced onto Aucklanders.
- Ask GAG for help if you need it - call the GAG submission helpline on 021 213 7779 :)

Send your submission:
By post (2 copies) to:
Clerk of the Committee
Auckland Governance Legislation Select Committee
Select Committee Office
Freepost Parliament
Wellington

Or you can submit using the online form here:
http://www.parliament.nz/en-NZ/PB/SC/MakeSub/6/3/a/49SCAGL_SCF_00DBHOH_BILL9729_1-Local-Government-Auckland-Law-Reform.htm#captcha

Good luck!

MEET LEN BROWN

2010-02-03T02:27:00.001-08:00

GAG has invited supercity mayoral candidate LEN BROWN to meet the people of West Auckland.

Please come and join us at Kelston Community Centre on Weds 24 March at 7pm. All welcome.

GOVERNMENT GETS ITS WAY

2009-09-17T04:24:00.000-07:00

The Grassroots Action Group (GAG) is disappointed that the Government has not listened to the people of Auckland’s views and has pushed through Rodney Hide’s version of the Super City Bill virtually unchanged.

Despite almost 24 hours of non-stop debating in Parliament the Super City Bill passed into law today, with all the amendments proposed by Labour, the Greens and the Maori Party defeated.

The only last minute concession made in the face of strong public opposition this week was to keep the whole of Rodney District within the Super City and not split it in half. Unfortunately for Franklin they remain split.

The passing of the bill virtually unchanged means that Rodney Hide’s plan to concentrate all the power into the hands of a select few, most notably the Super Mayor, has succeeded.

National’s claim to have listened to the people of Auckland is nothing but a lie. The 1000s of public submissions calling for Maori seats, for a fairer voting system, for real power at the grassroots level and to retain the structures that actually work for communities, have been ignored.

The only changes made to the bill were to ditch the idea of councillors being elected at large and to promise some – as yet unspecified – functions and powers to the local boards.

The reality is that all the decisions on funding and priorities for local communities will be made by 21 people, who will need to be extremely well funded even to consider campaigning for a seat at the table. With wards likely to serve 100,000 people each (twice that of an MP) the chance of communicating effectively with constituents is nil.

A Super City for the super rich. How super for the rest of us remains to be seen, but we will all be paying the super rates bills to fund the changes all too soon.

The next Bill to flesh out the details and transitions is due in October. GAG will be informing people of the issues and enabling them to have their say, although the record is not good for being listened to.

Super Shitty

2009-09-05T06:18:00.001-07:00

Super City – Super Shitty
That John Key, now who is he?
Rodney Hide – yeah he’s the guy
Knows the answers, oh yeah right
What do you think? Don’t be shy
Make a stand, lets hear your cry
Select Committee – they’re here to listen
Have your say, write a submission
But all so formal & off-putting
Only the brave will be there pitching
I sat & listened for several days
To all those people rant & rave
Give their ideas, experience & views
So much wisdom from the heart, so true
The messages I heard were clear
Consistent themes learned over years
Talk to the people, not at them, eh?
In Waitakere we like to have our say
Not only that, it works you see
Decisions made by you and me
We’re happy when we feel involved
In our community, not told
What’s best for us by some “big man”
Who throws his toys out of his pram
If he doesn’t get his way
Is that democracy I say?
The marginalised & poor shut out
They’ll just complain, will scream & shout
Protest & march, but what’s the use?
When 1% man rules the roost
So what’s the answer? How to change
The minds of those who want their way?
Don’t pay your rates, now that might work
Cos after all, this is our turf
Can’t do too much without the cash
Build more white elephants, make a splash
Down on the waterfront, that’s where
All our rates will be spent – is that fair?
And sell our stuff, you know that’s next
Our precious assets, Auckland’s best
Libraries & parks, stadiums & pools
And then our water oh so cool
Its worth a bomb to the highest bidder
But when it is gone will Auckland be fitter?
Not when we have to buy it back
Just like the trains & of course the track
So don’t be GAGGED about your place
It’s not too late to win this race
Just vote Len Brown for Mayor you see
So much better than John Banksy
And get someone who cares in charge
With politics born from the heart.

Mels Barton
GAG

Super City Bill flawed, undemocratic and without a mandate

2009-09-05T06:15:00.000-07:00

The Bill setting up the super city remains undemocratic and still delivers our largest city a flawed governance model, says Labour Leader Phil Goff.

“This is deeply disappointing. Labour has consistently advocated for the reform of Auckland’s governance structures and set up the Royal Commission on Auckland Governance in order to ensure Auckland’s future as an internationally competitive, dynamic, socially inclusive city and region.

“But much-needed progress has sadly been compromised by bad decisions, poor process - including a sham consultation process - and a lack of vision.

“The result is an unbalanced model which centralises power in the hands of a privileged few. It is highly unlikely to achieve the Royal Commission’s goal of increasing community engagement in Auckland’s local governance,” Phil Goff says.

“Submitters forced the Government to give local boards more significant decision-making roles. But its determination to stick to its plan to establish 20-30 boards means they will be too small to have real influence and that communities of interest such as Manukau and Waitakere will be split up and disempowered,” Labour’s Auckland Issues spokesperson Phil Twyford says.

“Significant opposition to at large councillors also forced the Government into a back down, but by encouraging large multi-member wards it has effectively re-introduced at large councillors via the backdoor. Large wards will favour those with deep pockets.

“The Government has done nothing to create a more balanced relationship between the new mayor and councillors, despite widespread concern by submitters that the mayor will have too much power,” Phil Twyford says.

“Labour is also concerned that too few councillors are proposed - which will undermine their accessibility and accountability to the public. There should be 25 councillors and there should be provision for Maori seats.

“The reform amounts to fundamental constitutional change for one third of New Zealand’s population and requires the consent of those directly affected,” Phil Goff says.

“Yet National used urgency to rush legislation through and took from Aucklanders the right to vote on the proposals in a referendum provided for under the Local Government Act (LGA). This leaves the changes without any mandate from those who will live under and pay for the new structure.

“This determination to ram through major change without proper public consultation has been further highlighted by its pre-empting of the select committee report-back over the past two weeks. Cabinet decisions have already been taken over the region’s boundaries without regard to local concerns and it has turned its back on submitters’ support of the Maori seats,” Phil Goff says.

“The Government's plan to carve off parts of Rodney and Franklin is a terrible mistake and will place the Hunua dams and some of Auckland's most precious parks outside the city limits,” Phil Twyford says.

“There is no protection against the privatisation of about $28 billion in assets which will transfer to the new Auckland Council.

“This isn’t a pie in the sky prospect. Local Government Minister Rodney Hide openly advocates privatising council assets and services and is due to present a paper to Cabinet proposing significant reform of the LGA by the end of the year.

“He wants councils reined back to the delivery of core services only. This second tier of reforms will fundamentally influence how the new Auckland council operates,” Phil Twyford says.

“Prime Minister John Key has backed Mr Hide’s mismanaged handling of the Auckland reform process, raising questions about his own leadership. Public concern will only deepen if Mr Key lets Mr Hide run riot with the LGA.”

Contact: Kris Faafoi (for Phil Goff) 021 648 859 or Phil Twyford 0274 449 161

SAVE THE TREES - ALL OF THEM!

2009-09-02T00:52:00.000-07:00

Yesterday I attended a packed public meeting to hear about the Government's plans to lift the blanket protection currently in place to prevent the clear felling of trees on urban sections as part of their reform of the RMA.

Despite getting 100s of submissions on this issue the select committee has ignored them & the Government plans to push ahead with this law change next week. This could be law as soon as 8 Sept. The chainsaws will be revving as I type...

The only way to change the Government's view on this issue is to show them the strength of public feeling & we don't have much time. MPs will only start to take notice if they receive over 1000 emails or letters on an issue - so this is my challenge - can we bombard the National & ACT MPs with over 1000 emails in the next few days & get them to save our trees?

If we don't I fear we will push pohutakawa & kauri to the brink of extinction and threaten all of our homes with flooding & landslips, not to mention losing the very thing that makes our place so special. Make no mistake this law change will mean that there is no longer any protection for any tree, native or otherwise, & anyone can cut down anything they want without having to get permission. It will be devastating for our suburbs & once its done there is no going back.

So I'm pleading with you to help me save our trees. PLEASE take a few minutes to email these MPs and give them your views. I have attached below the email that I am sending them. You are welcome to use or adapt it for yourself.

I have also included below the email addresses for all the MPs who need to be influenced on this issue. Labour & the Greens have committed to opposing the change & will be tabling amendments to try & prevent this happening.

If you don't have time to do them all then just target those MPs with narrow majorities - I have highlighted them in bold in the list below, plus John Key & Nick Smith the Environment Minister.

Please forward this message to everyone you know who cares about living in a healthy environment with trees, rather than a sterile concrete jungle. We only get one chance to save the trees & this is it.

Yours in hope that common sense will prevail :)
Mels Barton
GAG

Subject: Clause 52, RMA Amendment bill

Dear [MP's name],
I am writing to you to register my concern about the impact that Clause 52 of the proposed Resource Management (Simplifying & Streamlining) Amendment Bill 2009 will have on the urban tree population of New Zealand.

I request that you delete Clause 52 from the proposed Resource Management (Simplifying & Streamlining) Amendment Bill 2009 altogether, retain the existing tree protection provisions and seek to meaningfully engage with local communities in respect to any modifications of existing tree protection rules.

This proposal has the potential to decimate the trees that make our city the special place that it is. Pohutakawa, kauri and all the other beautiful icons that live only in New Zealand are already under threat. Changing the law so that anyone with a chainsaw can chop them down with impunity is insane and totally irresponsible.

I'm not sure whether you are aware that under the current rules it costs nothing to obtain a consent to fell a tree - there is NO CHARGE from the Councils & advice from Council arborists is also free. In addition over 85% of all current applications for tree felling are granted. So it is a complete myth that the current rules are both costly and restrictive to private property owners. Everyone agrees that the tree rules need to be reviewed, but removing the blanket protection is not the answer & will cause far more problems & cost than it saves.

The reality of what is being proposed will have a massive impact on property owners because their neighbours will be able to fell trees with impunity. In Titirangi where I live this WILL cause more landslips, which WILL damage property & roads. We already suffer greatly from instability due to the steep clay slopes, removal of trees will have an incalculable cost to us all. There will be many houses that will simply collapse if the trees protecting the banks that they stand on are removed. I have seen so many landslips just in the streets around my home in the last 10 years it is frightening. How will it be with no trees to keep the slopes intact? We will have no say in what our neighbours want to do with their trees if you pass this law. I am happy to drive you around Titirangi and show you exactly where slips have occurred and why if you'd like to see for yourself. In every case the removal of trees is the major cause of instability.

I'm sure I don't need to describe to you the great benefits that trees provide for us all, but one thing that is usually overlooked is the role they play in attenuating stormwater. The whole of Auckland has problems with managing stormwater, such is the nature of covering the land in concrete & roofs that increase runoff. Each tree attenuates 17 cubic metres of water per year. Can you imagine the extra flooding that will be generated by the wholesale removal of trees in our suburbs? Who will have to pay for the damage caused by that flooding & the upgrading of the infrastructure that will be required to deal with that water? The poor ratepayers of Auckland of course. With climate change affecting our weather & the real possibility that northern NZ may become wetter I suggest we should be planting more trees, not making it easier for people to cut them down.

The impact of removing the tree protection rules will be that massive tree loss will occur. Not only will people cut down more trees, but when development occurs there will be no requirement to undertake mitigation planting, as is currently the case. So not only will we lose currently mature trees but we will not be replacing them either. The economic cost to society of losing trees has not been taken into account in considering this law change and it needs to be.

I live in the Waitakere Ranges Heritage Area. Local people campaigned for 35 years to get this special law to protect this special place in perpetuity from inappropriate development & land clearance. This law change effectively castrates the Heritage Area Act & makes protection of the very values that are its purpose impossible. Titirangi is special and people come here because of the trees. It is ludicrous to suggest that the Council could even begin to schedule the hundreds of thousands of trees in Titirangi to protect them - they wouldn't even be able to get at many of them, let alone have the resources to perform the task. If you allow people to chop them down you will destroy Titirangi overnight.

Personally I believe no one should have the right to destroy trees that are 100s of years old just because they don't want to clear their gutters out or they'd like to have a better view. We are all just passing through our properties & if individuals don't have the personal responsibility to recognise their role as guardians of the land then that needs to be legislated for. Unfortunately we all know that this is the case with so many people who only have a short term view of the world. If you pass this law the chainsaws will be out the very next day and we will all suffer the consequences for generations to come. Our birds and insects will disappear, our cool and shade will be gone. We will have nothing to remove our pollution and CO2, or treat our stormwater and hold our soil together.

Please have the courage and wisdom to see the stupidity of this law change and to protect the trees for generations to come. No one is saying the tree rules don't need to be reviewed - everyone knows that - but please don't throw the baby out with the bathwater & destroy our urban forest by removing the basic protection. When its gone it will be forever, this is one mistake we can't put right.

I'm begging you to remove Clause 52 entirely or at least vote for one of the amendments and save our trees. I look forward to your favourable response.
Kind regards,
Dr Mels Barton

All ACT, National, Progressive, United Future & Maori Party MPs:
john.boscawen@parliament.govt.nz
roger.douglas@parliament.govt.nz
david.garrett@parliament.govt.nz
rodney.hide@parliament.govt.nz
heather.roy@parliament.govt.nz
amy.adams@parliament.govt.nz
shane.ardern@parliament.govt.nz
chris.auchinvole@parliament.govt.nz
kanwaljit.bakshi@parliament.govt.nz
david.bennett@parliament.govt.nz
paula.bennett@parliament.govt.nz
jackie.blue@parliament.govt.nz
chester.borrows@parliament.govt.nz
simon.bridges@parliament.govt.nz
gerry.brownlee@parliament.govt.nz
cam.calder@parliament.govt.nz
david.carter@parliament.govt.nz
jonathon.coleman@parliament.govt.nz
judith.collins@parliament.govt.nz
jacqui.dean@parliament.govt.nz
bill.english@parliament.govt.nz
christopher.finlayson@parliament.govt.nz
craig.foss@parliament.govt.nz
aaron.gilmore@parliament.govt.nz
jo.goodhew@parliament.govt.nz
sandra.goudie@parliament.govt.nz
tim.groser@parliament.govt.nz
guy.nathan@parliament.govt.nz
john.hayes@parliament.govt.nz
phil.heatley@parliament.govt.nz
tau.henare@parliament.govt.nz
paul.hutchison@parliament.govt.nz
stephen.joyce@parliament.govt.nz
nikki.kaye@parliament.govt.nz
john.key@parliament.govt.nz
colin.king@parliament.govt.nz
melissa.lee@parliament.govt.nz
sam.lotu-iiga@national.org.nz
tim.macindoe@parliament.govt.nz
wayne.mapp@parliament.govt.nz
todd.mcclay@parliament.govt.nz
murray.mccully@parliament.govt.nz
hekita.parata@parliament.govt.nz
allan.peachey@parliament.govt.nz
simon.power@parliament.govt.nz
paul.quinn@parliament.govt.nz
eric.roy@parliament.govt.nz
tony.ryall@parliament.govt.nz
katrina.shanks@parliament.govt.nz
lockwood.smith@parliament.govt.nz
nick.smith@parliament.govt.nz
georgina-teheuheu@parliament.govt.nz
lindsay.tisch@parliament.govt.nz
anne.tolley@parliament.govt.nz
chris.tremain@parliament.govt.nz
louise.upston@parliament.govt.nz
nicky.wagner@parliament.govt.nz
kate.wilkinson@parliament.govt.nz
maurice.williamson@parliament.govt.nz
pansy.wong@parliament.govt.nz
michael.woodhouse@parliament.govt.nz
jonathon.young@parliament.govt.nz
jim.anderton@parliament.govt.nz
peter.dunne@parliament.govt.nz
teururoa.flavell@parliament.govt.nz
hone.harawira@parliament.govt.nz
rahui.katene@parliament.govt.nz
pita.sharples@parliament.govt.nz
tariana.turia@parliament.govt.nz

Paula Bennett Protest Rally

2009-08-02T16:04:00.000-07:00

Join GAG to protest at Paula Bennett's treatment of beneficiaries and the cutting of the Training Incentive Allowance by the National Government.

Meet outside West City Mall on Catherine St, just off Great North Rd in the centre of Henderson at noon on Sat 8 Aug & march together to Paula's office at 429 Great North Rd for 1pm to attend "The People's Court".

Ms Bennett was left a "summons" to attend at this weekend's protest - hopefully she will have the courage to face the people she is affecting to explain her actions.

Sign up for the event on Facebook

Check out Resistance Photography's photos from this weekend's protest.

GAG SELLS PUBLIC ASSETS ON TRADEME

2009-07-26T03:32:00.000-07:00

The Grassroots Action Group is selling photographs of public assets currently owned by the 5 Auckland councils on the internet trading web site www.trademe.co.nz this week.

The stunt is intended to raise awareness of the impact that privatisation of public assets would have on the lives of every Aucklander as the country awaits the outcome from the select committee on Auckland Governance.

GAG member Mels Barton says that the threat of privatisation is the one thing that everyone can agree on. “There is huge concern in the community that this is on the Government’s agenda further down the track. Everyone in Auckland stands to lose the important things that make our quality of life so great. Our parks and libraries, pools and museums, art galleries and public transport and of course our water are about to be handed to the new super council.”

“GAG shares the community’s concerns that these assets are not safe for the future unless specifically protected by legislation. Someone has to stand up and say no - this is not going to happen to our city.”

“Generations of Aucklanders have paid for these assets for the benefit of everyone, you shouldn’t have to consider paying to use them in the future and this is a real possibility.”

Mels suggests “if you value these assets then bid for them on trademe while you still can – at least then you can have a momento of what we all used to own.”

Every bid can be turned into a donation to GAG’s campaign by placing a deposit marked "GAG" into ASB Bank account 12-3100-0214472-50 and the winning bidders will take home a photograph of their favourite Auckland asset.

Options include the harbour bridge, Long Bay regional park, the zoo, Lopdell House, North Shore stadium, the Tepid Baths and a Manurewa swimming pool. They are all listed under the “Antiques and Collectables – New Zealand and Maori” category and can be found by searching for “public asset”.

GAG suggests that anyone concerned about public assets remaining in public hands should email all the Auckland MPs and encourage them to vote for Phil Twyford’s private members bill on Wednesday. The bill if passed would require a referendum to be held before any public asset could be sold. Details can be found on www.notyourstosell.co.nz

“If Auckland MPs truly represent the views of their communities they will vote for this bill and for the future of Auckland, instead of allowing short term gain to profit over long term public good.” says Mels.

ALL WELCOME AT THE PEOPLE’S HEARING

2009-07-09T22:56:00.000-07:00

- making democracy child-friendly

The Grassroots Action Group (GAG) is holding the People’s Hearing at the Trusts Stadium in Henderson on the first day that the select committee on Auckland Governance sets up to hear submissions in Waitakere City (Tuesday 14 July).

The People’s Hearing welcomes anyone who’d like to have a say on the super city to speak for up to 15 minutes – not the 5 minute limit set by the select committee.

GAG will also provide childcare in the same building while people are giving their submission to the select committee.

GAG member Mels Barton says “we recognise that in school holidays it’s hard for people to arrange childcare, so we’re happy to help out if it enables parents to make a spoken submission”

“GAG has encouraged as many people as possible to have their say and this is a natural continuation of that. Even if you haven’t made a written submission we’re providing a forum where you can come and speak – or sing or recite a poem. We’ll video everyone and send it to the select committee”.

GAG is hoping attendees to the People’s Hearing will include musicians, poets and comedians as well as individuals and anyone with an interest in the super city issue.

GAG’s People’s Hearing will be held at the Trusts Stadium, Central Park Drive, Henderson from 3pm to 9pm on Tuesday 14 July. All are welcome, free entry.

Maungawhau vigil photos

2009-07-07T03:56:00.000-07:00

Keep track of our journey this week in the series of dawn vigils on Maungawhau (Mt Eden) with John's fantastic photos on Flickr.

Better still join us every morning until Friday 10 July at 7am, its a beautiful experience - but wrap up warm.

We're not just flying the flag, we also paid a visit to the select committee hearings today - see what else we've been getting up to!

Supercity Select Committee rejects Papakura submission

2009-07-07T03:23:00.000-07:00

OUTRAGE AS COMMITTEE IGNORES LOCAL FEEDBACK - 7 July 2009

A Papakura resident has had her submission on the proposed Supercity rejected by the Select Committee.

Mayor Calum Penrose says he was contacted at the weekend by a resident who had received a rejection letter from the Select Committee. The Committee said her submission did not address matters contained in the Bill and thus would not be considered.

“This person made the effort to make a submission. She had asked to be heard in support of her submission. Her submission was in favour of retaining local democracy, on issues of financial accountability and on retaining local identity, all matters contained in the Bill. The wording might not have been in the style of the Bill, but it addressed the issues. We want to know exactly why the Committee thinks these matters are outside the scope of the Bill, because the Council’s submission also covers these matters.”

Mr Penrose said he would be concerned if submissions were being rejected on issues of style or language. The local submitters Mr Penrose has spoken to are “good people, genuinely concerned about Papakura losing its identity and about the effect of the Supercity on communities across Auckland”.

“We would like to know if others in the District have also had their submissions rejected and if so on what grounds, because we are determined to advocate on behalf of the people of the District.”

There did not seem to be any process for appeal when a submission is rejected.

“This is just unacceptable, a slap in the face. The Government has always said that people could have their say through the Select Committee process. Where is that commitment now?"

Mr Penrose said he will be writing to Associate Local Government Minister John Carter, who chairs the Select Committee, and to local MP Judith Collins, asking them to investigate how submissions are evaluated and why submissions which address matters contained in the Bill are apparently being rejected.

“The message I get is that that the Select Committee apparently does not care what Aucklanders think about this crucial Bill. I am calling for all Papakura residents who understand what is at stake to talk to MP Judith Collins, email the Minister of Local Government or the Prime Minister. Make a noise about this abuse of power before it is too late.”

-End-

For further information please contact:

Mark Baker
Communications Advisor
Papakura District Council
Telephone: 09 295 1300
Mobile: 027 442 3044
Email: mbaker@papakura.govt.nz

Select Committee Action

2009-07-05T05:02:00.001-07:00

The select committee for Auckland Governance starts its first hearings sessions this week Monday 6 July.

To mark the occasion and support the inclusion of Maori seats on the new Auckland Council IHI (Iwi Have Influence) will be flying the tino flag from the summit of Maungawhau (Mt Eden) all week for an hour each morning 7am-8am.

Join us to show your support for the Maori seats and bring your torch to shine! We hope for 1000 people by Friday.

Spread the word - all are welcome!

GAG GETS COUNCIL SUPPORTING MAORI

2009-06-24T16:31:00.000-07:00

Press release - Thursday 25 June 2009.

GAG’s strong support for Maori seats on the proposed Super City Council culminated last night in a vocal protest at Waitakere City Council’s chamber for a crucial meeting at which the Council debated their stance on the issue.

Following some debate Council agreed to support guaranteed Maori seats at a governance level both on the new Auckland Council and on the local boards.

The Council’s draft submission to the select committee on Auckland Governance had stated that they would only support a Maori forum and not seats at a governance level.

In addition to supporting Maori seats on Auckland Council the Waitakere City Council also agreed to:

• The continuation of Te Taumata Runanga model, extended across the Auckland Region;
• The introduction of Maori Seats and Te Taumata Runanga model to ALL Councils in Aotearoa;
• To lobby government and Local Gov New Zealand to adopt this nationwide.

(Note the support for Maori seats on Auckland council is NOT contingent on this being adopted nationwide)

GAG member Mels Barton said “We’re glad that Waitakere City Council has listened to their communities and changed their position into taking this strong stance for Maori. It opens the door for improved representation for all voices if Maori can have a seat at the table of governance for the region - and honours the Treaty.

I’m proud of my Council for having the strength to look forward not backwards and show the Government what good local governance is all about – listening to people.

This was always about democracy - and we look forward to the council supporting other initiatives like ward-based councillors and properly empowered local boards to ensure all voices are heard”

GAG is encouraging everyone to have their say on the Super City by emailing their views to the select committee on AGL@parliament.govt.nz by 5pm on Friday 26 June. Advice on writing a submission can be found on the GAG web site at www.gag.net.nz

Rally to lobby Waitakere City Council to support the Maori Seats

2009-06-22T04:26:00.000-07:00

E nga iwi, e nga reo, e nga rangatira, tena koutou, tena koutou, tena tatou katoa.

He protehi tenei na matou ki te tino kuare me te porangi o te kaunihera o Waitakere. He mahi nanakia nei ki te iwi Maori.

Waitakere City Council has decided not to include in their submission (on behalf of all residents within Waitakere City) Maori seats at the governance level. Instead they have proposed that a Maori forum be established, which is the same as we have today and ineffective for a SuperCity Model.

IHI (Iwi Have Influence) West is contacting Bob Harvey for speaking rights at the Council meeting to restate our kaupapa on Mana Whenua and Maori representation and insist that Waitakere City Council include this as part of their submission. Council needs to recognise the many West Auckland communities that joined the hikoi to support the inclusion of 3 guaranteed Mana Whenua and Maori Seats...

Please join us in a rally to lobby the Councillors to include guaranteed Mana Whenua and Maori representation in their submission.

Wednesday 24th June 2009
5.15pm
Waitakere City Council
6 Henderson Valley Road
Henderson

Mauria mai to kaha me to reo ki te tutuki pai i nga wawata o nga iwi.

GAG stall hits the streets

2009-06-14T18:00:00.000-07:00

The GAG information and submission stall will be out and about in Waitakere City from this week to enable people to learn more about the issues and help them make a submission to the select committee on the Super City.

The stall includes a video camera so that people can make a spoken submission if they prefer.

The stall will be in the following locations:
Tuesday 16 June (afternoon) - New Lynn Library
Wednesday 17 June (afternoon and evening) - Glen Eden Library
Thursday 18 June (afternoon) - Glen Eden Library
Friday 19 June - (afternoon) - Henderson Central Library
Saturday 20 June (morning) - Oratia Farmers Market 9-12pm
Saturday 20 June (afternoon) - Westwave Aquatic Centre, Henderson
Sunday 21 June (morning) - Avondale Market
Monday 22 June (afternoon) - Henderson Central Library
Tuesday 23 June (morning and afternoon) - Ranui Library
Wednesday 24 June (morning and afternoon) - Massey Library

On Friday 19 June Waitakere City Council are holding an open day for making submissions at Westwave Aquatic Centre in Henderson.

SavePapakura.com and Waitiaki are also holding a succession of workshops to help you make a submission next week. The details are on the SavePapakura.com website.

If you'd like to help with the stall the GAG team would love to hear from you. We need more volunteers so we can cover more locations for longer. Please email westiegag@gmail.com if you can help.

Submissions close on Friday 26 June.

Submissions Help

2009-06-03T02:16:00.001-07:00

The dedicated Auckland Governance Legislation select committee has now set a preliminary timetable for hearing submissions.

Submissions
Submissions will be called from early in the week starting 2 June 2009, and will close on 26 June 2009.
Submissions can be sent to the Select Committee online at http://www.parliament.nz or posted to:
Clerk of the Committee
Auckland Governance Legislation Select Committee
Select Committee Office
Parliament Buildings
WELLINGTON
Information on how to make a submission to a select committee, including a suggested submission format, can be found here.

Hearings
It is currently proposed that hearings will be held throughout Auckland from 6 July 2009. Those who wish to appear before the Select Committee should advise that with their written submission.

GAG will be rolling out its Information Stall in the very near future to a mall or library near you. We will help with advice and information on what the Super City will mean for you. We'll also help you to write or make a video submission to the Select Committee. To book the GAG stall or a speaker for your community group or event please email us on westiegag@gmail.com

Other groups are also providing help and support for writing submissions. Some links to them are below:

McLaren Park & Henderson South Community Initiative are holding a public meeting called SUPERCITY - The super city is on its way. What would you like to know? What say can you have?
Come and ask your questions - What will my community look like? Why will the changes affect me and my area? What difference will this make?
When? Thursday 11th June
Where? Henderson South School Rm 12 - Garelja Rd off Henderson Valley Rd
What time? 6:00pm for food, 6:15pm Start of meeting 7:00pm Close of meeting
RSVP to info@mphs.org.nz tel: 09 838 4820
We will have a small space for children with games and DVD

The Labour Party are holding a series of meetings and workshops to help you make a submission.

Labour Party public meetings:

Auckland Central - 7pm, Thursday 11 June
Grey Lynn Community Centre, 510 Richmond Rd, Grey Lynn, hosted by Phil Twyford

North Shore - 7pm, Thursday 11 June
North Shore Events Centre, Silverfield & Argus Pl Entrances, Wairau Valley, hosted by Darien Fenton

Waiheke - 1pm, Sunday 14 June
Morra Hall, Oneroa, hosted by Phil Twyford

Manukau - 5.30pm, Monday 15 June
Papatoetoe Town Hall, George St, Papatoetoe, hosted by Ross Robertson, Su’a William Sio, George Hawkins, Ashraf Choudhary

Maungakiekie - 7.30pm, Monday 15 June
College of Chiropractic, 6 Harrison Rd (off Ellerslie-Panmure Highway) Mt Wellington, hosted by Carol Beaumont

Manukau City Council are running a huge series of Have Your Say workshops in English, Te Reo, Mandarin, Punjabi, Hindi, Korean, Samoan, Tongan and Sign languages. Click the link for more details.

SavePapakura.com is holding free submission workshops over the next fortnight to give the public information and an opportunity to write a submission on the spot:

Guide to workshops
• Saturday, June 13: 10am to noon or 1pm to 3pm Selwyn Arcade on Great South Rd
• Thursday, June 18: 6.30pm to 8.30pm Accent Point Level 4 function room
• Saturday, June 20: 10am to noon or 1pm to 3pm Selwyn Arcade
• Monday, June 22: 9am to 11am or 1pm to 3pm, 18 Smiths Ave (old
netball courts) or 5pm to 7pm Papakura Marae.

The Green Party have produced an excellent submission guide online here.

The most recent announcements from the Government on Auckland’s local government can be found here.

More information on the Select Committee can be found here.

You can find information on the ACT Party's Local Government policy here.

The National Party is holding a series of public meetings to gauge public opinion on the super city and how they are handling the process! This is a chance to get your views heard to your local MP. Please attend these meetings and take friends and make sure your voice is heard to ensure that the super city does not lose our super communities!

Details of meetings are:

Kanwaljit Singh Bakshi, 9 June, 7.00pm, Papatoetoe Cosmopolitan Club 53 Rangitoto Street, Papatoetoe
Nikki Kaye, 10 June, 7.00pm, Pioneer Women’s Hall, Corner High Street and Freyberg Place, Inner City
Dr Jackie Blue, 11 June, 7.00pm, Hillsborough Room, Fickling Centre 546 Mt Albert Road, Three Kings

COMMUNITY DEMANDS ACTION ON SUPER CITY

2009-06-01T22:06:00.000-07:00

A public meeting last night in West Auckland gave a clear mandate to organisers the Grassroots Action Group (GAG) for more protest action on the Super City.

Green Party co-leader Russell Norman, and Labour MPs Lynne Pillay and Phil Twyford were among the attendees. The meeting heard how the Government’s Super City proposals would affect individuals, families and our community.

The meeting broke into small groups to discuss what type of action they could take to express their views to the Government and the Select Committee. The ideas put forward included rallies and protests, theatrical street stunts and an information stall, which will make it easy for everyone to make a submission to the Select Committee.

GAG member Paula Bold-Wilson said the meeting achieved its objectives by enabling the community to identify what actions they would like to take. “We got some great ideas from the people here tonight. It’s clear that everyone is frustrated at not only the speed the proposals are being pushed through, but also the lack of consultation from the Government.”

“GAG will be taking an information stall to malls, libraries, maraes, churches and community groups so that members of our community can ask questions, understand what the proposals mean for them. We will be encouraging everyone to make a submission either in writing or using our video camera. The Super City will affect everyone in many ways and it’s vital people can have their say.”

To book the GAG Information Stall for your event or community group and to find out what other action is planned check the GAG web site and email us at westiegag@gmail.com or sign up for our Facebook Group.

GAG member Mels Barton was interviewed by Newstalk ZB today on the issue, you can read more here.

The story is published on Waitakere News with photos.

There are more photos from the meeting here.

Select Committee Submissions Deadline

2009-05-29T23:00:00.000-07:00

The Government has announced that the final deadline for submissions to the Select Committee on Auckland Governance will be 26 JUNE 2009.

This gives only 4 weeks for submissions on the biggest change to local government in New Zealand's history. Normal submission periods are a minimum of 8 weeks long.

GAG will give guidance on making a submission and have an easy submission format on this website very soon. We will also be taking an Information Stall out into malls and libraries so you can ask questions and make your submission there.

If you'd like to book GAG's Information Stall for your meeting, event or community group please email us at westiegag@gmail.com

GAG Public Meeting on SuperCity

2009-05-27T02:08:00.000-07:00

Find out what the SuperCity will mean for YOU....

Join GAG for an interactive public meeting to help you understand what the SuperCity will mean for you and find out what you can do to have your say.

Not just a platform for politicians, this is for the community, by the community.

Educate, inform, empower.

Please join us!

PUBLIC MEETING hosted by the

Grassroots Action Group (GAG)

at Kelston Community Centre

on Monday 1 June at 7.30pm

www.gag.net.nz

Please spread to your networks, thanks.

GRASSROOTS AUCKLAND TURNS OUT

2009-05-25T00:27:00.000-07:00

Over 7000 people marched up Queen Street on a wet Monday lunchtime to show their support for guaranteed Maori representation on the new Super City Council.

The Government has proposed dumping the 3 Maori seats recommended by the Royal Commission on Auckland Governance.

Grassroots Action Group member Paula Bold-Wilson (no Te Arawa) marched with her family and friends and said “the strength of support shown by so many ordinary people turning out here today shows that this issue is not just important to Maori.”

“It’s critical Tangata Whenua get the representation the Royal Commission report called for, and that we Honour the Treaty. I was proud to march for that today. There’s also a real swell from the grassroots of people unhappy with the way the SuperCity is being railroaded through and that everyone’s views on many other aspects are being ignored.”

The Grassroots Action Group www.gag.net.nz is holding a public meeting to discuss the Super City issue on Monday 1 June at Kelston Community Centre at 7.30pm.

GAG is also planning to take information out into communities by running a stall in libraries, shopping centres, swimming pools and community groups to enable people to learn more about the issues and make a simple submission to the Royal Commission. “GAG’s mission is to enable everyone to have a say and not be put off because they’ve never made a submission before. We want to make it easy and simple” said Paula. “Even if you can’t write, we’ll have a video booth so you can make a spoken submission”.

You can see coverage of the Hikoi on these websites:

TV3: http://www.3news.co.nz/Video/National/tabid/309/articleID/105712/cat/525/Default.aspx#video

TV1: http://tvnz.co.nz/politics-news/thousands-demand-maori-seats-super-city-2756388

Photos on our Facebook Group, for everyone to see (not just FB members)

Our key messages

2009-05-19T02:41:00.000-07:00

GRASSROOTS ACTION GROUP (GAG)

Our Place, Our Voices

Participation - Protection - Partnership

GAG's purpose is to:

Help you understand what the Government’s plans for Auckland really mean.
Help you make your views heard.
Ensure the politicians understand how important it is to listen to you.

GAG believes:

That everyone should be able to make a submission to the select committee on Auckland Governance.
That community interests matter just as much as business, and healthy debate can only produce a better solution.
That for the Super City to really work it needs everyone to have their views and needs represented.
That the speed and way in which the Government is forcing its proposals onto Aucklanders is not democratic.
That public ownership of current assets should be protected by legislation.

GAG believes Auckland needs:
Effective Representation via

Specific Maori seats on the Auckland Council.
All Councillors being elected by local wards not “at large” (by the whole Region).
The community being enabled to have a real say in how their rates should be spent.

Appropriate Powers via

A Mayor elected at large (by the whole Region) with no more power than existing city Mayors.
Local representation with real power in local boards or community councils spending our money on our community.

Effective working via

Strategic issues such as transport, water and planning being managed Regionally
Local priorities being determined locally via community consultation

Having your assets protected via

Legislation preventing privatisation of current public assets such as libraries, swimming pools, parks, art galleries, water, cemeteries etc.

GAG will be taking a video submission booth and easy information stall to shopping malls, churches, libraries, community groups and anywhere else we can to enable everyone to ask questions and have their say in a way that works for them.

Help us to help you - JOIN GAG - or book the GAG Stall to visit your community or event.

Email us at westiegag@gmail.com

Join our Facebook Group

GAG is an independent group and a member of the Community Coalition for Auckland: Voices of Tamaki Makaurau