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.
Thursday, September 17, 2009
Saturday, September 5, 2009
Super Shitty
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
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
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
“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
Wednesday, September 2, 2009
SAVE THE TREES - ALL OF THEM!
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
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
Sunday, August 2, 2009
Paula Bennett Protest Rally
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.
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.
Sunday, July 26, 2009
GAG SELLS PUBLIC ASSETS ON TRADEME
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.
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.
Thursday, July 9, 2009
ALL WELCOME AT THE PEOPLE’S HEARING
- 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.
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.
Tuesday, July 7, 2009
Maungawhau vigil photos
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!
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
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
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
Sunday, July 5, 2009
Select Committee Action
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!
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!
Wednesday, June 24, 2009
GAG GETS COUNCIL SUPPORTING MAORI
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
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
Monday, June 22, 2009
Rally to lobby Waitakere City Council to support the Maori Seats
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.
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.
Sunday, June 14, 2009
GAG stall hits the streets
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.
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.
Wednesday, June 3, 2009
Submissions Help
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
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
Monday, June 1, 2009
COMMUNITY DEMANDS ACTION ON SUPER CITY
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.
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.
Friday, May 29, 2009
Select Committee Submissions Deadline
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
Wednesday, May 27, 2009
GAG Public Meeting on SuperCity
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.
Monday, May 25, 2009
GRASSROOTS AUCKLAND TURNS OUT
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)
Tuesday, May 19, 2009
Our key messages
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
GAG is an independent group and a member of the Community Coalition for Auckland: Voices of Tamaki Makaurau
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