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.
Sunday, July 26, 2009
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!
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