The Grassroots Action Group is dedicated to the preservation of local democracy and has formed in West Auckland to enable ordinary people to understand issues and have their say.

Please support GAG's work by making a regular donation of whatever you can afford to our bank account: 12-3100-0167100-00

Wednesday, February 3, 2010

SUBMIT ON THE 3RD SUPER CITY BILL

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

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.

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