Auckland Community in Danger of being Flogged-off by ATA

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