Thursday, May 26, 2011
Sunday, March 20, 2011
Oram Hammers Government's Lame Thinking on Auckland
Reprinted below is the text of an article from economist Rod Oram published in the Sunday Star Times. It hits the nail on the head.
You also have the chance to be a part of the debate on Auckland's future. If you'd like to attend the launch of the draft spatial plan on Weds 23 March "Auckland Unleashed" please email Stella Gaseata asap.
Wednesday 23 March 2011
8.45am - 4.30pm
Lower NZI Room, Aotea Centre
Your views on this document will be vital in ensuring future development occurs in the RIGHT places for our Region and does not damage our special places. No doubt there will be conflict, but it will be up to the people of Auckland to decide, so make sure you have your say.
cheers
Mels
Dear All,
Rod Oram has written a strong critique of the recently released Cabinet Papers [see links below] seeking to prescribe the future of the Super City.
I encourage you to distribute it far and wide - as many Aucklander's as possible need to know about this stuff as the debate just getting underway
represents a significant crossroads for the future of our city/region.
Auckland at the Crossroads - Rod Oram
published in the Sunday Star Times (20-3-2011, p. D24)
The Auckland Plan is a moment of opportunity for the super city.
On Wednesday, a great fight for the heart, soul and wellbeing of Aucklanders begins. But don’t worry. It’s not all about Auckland. If the region gets this right, the rest of the country will benefit strongly from more effective approaches to development.
In one corner stands the Auckland Council led by mayor Len Brown. It will present its view of the city’s future when it delivers that day a discussion document on the Auckland Plan.
The paper will look at the region in a new way. For the first time, it will bring together data, analysis and insights on the human, economic, environmental, social, cultural and other factors that make Auckland what it is today.
Crucially, though, it will use this new analysis to show us options for the region’s future. It’s up to Aucklanders to consider, debate, agree and act with the new powers the region gained through the creation of the super city.
It’s a big challenge. Auckland will gain 600,000 people in the next 20 years to make a population of 2 million, according to current projections.
In the other corner stands the Key government, led on these Auckland issues by Rodney Hide, minister of local government. Last week, the cabinet released a set of eight papers giving its very entrenched positions on Auckland’s future.
What a miserable view it was. When Hide and his ministerial colleagues think of Auckland they imagine only more of the same, warts and all. In their view, Auckland has to ooze out across the landscape in low-value, low-growth ways.
They believe this is the only way to deliver enough cheap land for housing and businesses; and roads are the only way to link people.
Three flaws make nonsense of the government’s view:
> First, it fails to consider what Auckland can and has to be if it’s to meet its people’s aspirations.
> Second, it asks the wrong questions and thus comes to the wrong conclusions about why the past efforts such as the previous regional growth strategy didn’t work as well as expected.
> Finally, as a result, it concludes that Auckland can only keep growing the inadequate way it has, though hopefully somewhat more efficiently.
_________
This failure of government ambition, analysis and strategy is no surprise. It has made the same mistakes with its economic and fiscal strategies for the country.
At the core of the government’s position on Auckland is its view on the growth strategy for 1996-2050 set by the Auckland Regional Council. The ARC sought to meet almost 75% of urban growth over that long period within existing urban limits, of which 44% would be achieved by increased population density. So far, these goals have been partially achieved.
The government says this is a strategic failure, which among other things has driven up the cost of land and thus made housing less affordable. It argues instead that Auckland should be allowed to spread out so land is plentiful and optimal use can be made of its investment in more roads.
But the government’s desire to perpetuate low-density growth flies in the face of international studies. These show that higher-density (with the right transport to serve it) improves the network effect of the economy and this generates higher-value activity.
Indeed, the government argues in part against its own position by pointing out that the CBD has attracted more residents and most new office jobs. These are the sort of high-value service jobs which are one of the best hopes for internationalizing the Auckland economy and lifting incomes.
The government hasn’t asked itself a crucial question. If it had invested more in public transport over the past 15 years and given local government effective tools for turning strategy into action, would Auckland have achieved less traffic congestion, higher (yet attractive) urban density and more valuable jobs?
Thankfully, the Auckland Council has asked. Its studies show that investing in the CBD rail loop can deliver those benefits.
Likewise, the 30-year Auckland Regional Land Transport Strategy, finalized last year, makes the case for investing 42% of transport funds in public transport to support regional growth and 53% in roads.
But the cabinet says funding should largely follow existing transport patterns whereby only 4% of trips were on public transport, mainly bus, and almost 80% were by car. It quotes, though, 2006 data, which ignore the strong growth in public transport since.
Yet the government goes on to acknowledge there’s very little space to build more roads. Instead it suggests the city use demand management, road pricing and the like to slow the rate of traffic growth. But why should the government force the city to take such unpopular measures when it and its Labour predecessor ran away from them?
People would get out of their cars if they had better public transport. Demand management means they will pay more and/or travel less, two big economic negatives.
The government is also pushing financial measures on Auckland, such as asset sales, that it is struggling to justify taking itself.
The cabinet papers are equally lame on economic development. Its only suggestions are more efficient regulation, cheaper land and a convention centre.
The whole point of creating the super city and the spatial plan to guide it was to find bold, valuable things for Auckland to do and effective new ways to deliver them.
Yet the government has cut itself off from helping to create such a future. Only once in 57 pages of cabinet papers does it concede that the people and politicians of Auckland, through their spatial plan, could come up with ideas, evidence and actions that might persuade it to change its old failed thinking.
So, the government has a choice: join the cause or lose the Auckland vote.
_________
link to Rodney Hide media release:
http://www.beehive.govt.nz/release/minister-releases-papers-outlining-government’s-aspirations-auckland-spatial-plan
link to the cabinet papers:
http://www.dia.govt.nz/diawebsite.nsf/wpg_URL/Legislative-Reviews-Royal-Commission-on-Auckland-Governance-Index?OpenDocument
You also have the chance to be a part of the debate on Auckland's future. If you'd like to attend the launch of the draft spatial plan on Weds 23 March "Auckland Unleashed" please email Stella Gaseata asap.
Wednesday 23 March 2011
8.45am - 4.30pm
Lower NZI Room, Aotea Centre
Your views on this document will be vital in ensuring future development occurs in the RIGHT places for our Region and does not damage our special places. No doubt there will be conflict, but it will be up to the people of Auckland to decide, so make sure you have your say.
cheers
Mels
Dear All,
Rod Oram has written a strong critique of the recently released Cabinet Papers [see links below] seeking to prescribe the future of the Super City.
I encourage you to distribute it far and wide - as many Aucklander's as possible need to know about this stuff as the debate just getting underway
represents a significant crossroads for the future of our city/region.
Auckland at the Crossroads - Rod Oram
published in the Sunday Star Times (20-3-2011, p. D24)
The Auckland Plan is a moment of opportunity for the super city.
On Wednesday, a great fight for the heart, soul and wellbeing of Aucklanders begins. But don’t worry. It’s not all about Auckland. If the region gets this right, the rest of the country will benefit strongly from more effective approaches to development.
In one corner stands the Auckland Council led by mayor Len Brown. It will present its view of the city’s future when it delivers that day a discussion document on the Auckland Plan.
The paper will look at the region in a new way. For the first time, it will bring together data, analysis and insights on the human, economic, environmental, social, cultural and other factors that make Auckland what it is today.
Crucially, though, it will use this new analysis to show us options for the region’s future. It’s up to Aucklanders to consider, debate, agree and act with the new powers the region gained through the creation of the super city.
It’s a big challenge. Auckland will gain 600,000 people in the next 20 years to make a population of 2 million, according to current projections.
In the other corner stands the Key government, led on these Auckland issues by Rodney Hide, minister of local government. Last week, the cabinet released a set of eight papers giving its very entrenched positions on Auckland’s future.
What a miserable view it was. When Hide and his ministerial colleagues think of Auckland they imagine only more of the same, warts and all. In their view, Auckland has to ooze out across the landscape in low-value, low-growth ways.
They believe this is the only way to deliver enough cheap land for housing and businesses; and roads are the only way to link people.
Three flaws make nonsense of the government’s view:
> First, it fails to consider what Auckland can and has to be if it’s to meet its people’s aspirations.
> Second, it asks the wrong questions and thus comes to the wrong conclusions about why the past efforts such as the previous regional growth strategy didn’t work as well as expected.
> Finally, as a result, it concludes that Auckland can only keep growing the inadequate way it has, though hopefully somewhat more efficiently.
_________
This failure of government ambition, analysis and strategy is no surprise. It has made the same mistakes with its economic and fiscal strategies for the country.
At the core of the government’s position on Auckland is its view on the growth strategy for 1996-2050 set by the Auckland Regional Council. The ARC sought to meet almost 75% of urban growth over that long period within existing urban limits, of which 44% would be achieved by increased population density. So far, these goals have been partially achieved.
The government says this is a strategic failure, which among other things has driven up the cost of land and thus made housing less affordable. It argues instead that Auckland should be allowed to spread out so land is plentiful and optimal use can be made of its investment in more roads.
But the government’s desire to perpetuate low-density growth flies in the face of international studies. These show that higher-density (with the right transport to serve it) improves the network effect of the economy and this generates higher-value activity.
Indeed, the government argues in part against its own position by pointing out that the CBD has attracted more residents and most new office jobs. These are the sort of high-value service jobs which are one of the best hopes for internationalizing the Auckland economy and lifting incomes.
The government hasn’t asked itself a crucial question. If it had invested more in public transport over the past 15 years and given local government effective tools for turning strategy into action, would Auckland have achieved less traffic congestion, higher (yet attractive) urban density and more valuable jobs?
Thankfully, the Auckland Council has asked. Its studies show that investing in the CBD rail loop can deliver those benefits.
Likewise, the 30-year Auckland Regional Land Transport Strategy, finalized last year, makes the case for investing 42% of transport funds in public transport to support regional growth and 53% in roads.
But the cabinet says funding should largely follow existing transport patterns whereby only 4% of trips were on public transport, mainly bus, and almost 80% were by car. It quotes, though, 2006 data, which ignore the strong growth in public transport since.
Yet the government goes on to acknowledge there’s very little space to build more roads. Instead it suggests the city use demand management, road pricing and the like to slow the rate of traffic growth. But why should the government force the city to take such unpopular measures when it and its Labour predecessor ran away from them?
People would get out of their cars if they had better public transport. Demand management means they will pay more and/or travel less, two big economic negatives.
The government is also pushing financial measures on Auckland, such as asset sales, that it is struggling to justify taking itself.
The cabinet papers are equally lame on economic development. Its only suggestions are more efficient regulation, cheaper land and a convention centre.
The whole point of creating the super city and the spatial plan to guide it was to find bold, valuable things for Auckland to do and effective new ways to deliver them.
Yet the government has cut itself off from helping to create such a future. Only once in 57 pages of cabinet papers does it concede that the people and politicians of Auckland, through their spatial plan, could come up with ideas, evidence and actions that might persuade it to change its old failed thinking.
So, the government has a choice: join the cause or lose the Auckland vote.
_________
link to Rodney Hide media release:
http://www.beehive.govt.nz/release/minister-releases-papers-outlining-government’s-aspirations-auckland-spatial-plan
link to the cabinet papers:
http://www.dia.govt.nz/diawebsite.nsf/wpg_URL/Legislative-Reviews-Royal-Commission-on-Auckland-Governance-Index?OpenDocument
Tuesday, February 8, 2011
Lobbying Leads to Listening on Trees
Thanks no doubt to the amount of email traffic flying around on the issue of tree nominations for scheduling in the Whau Ward the Local Board had a change of heart at their meeting tonight in New Lynn.
After listening to a public forum plea by Mels Barton to not only allow the public to nominate trees via their Board, but to be proactive and encourage public involvement in the process, the agenda debate took an interesting turn.
The recommendation that the Whau Local Board nominate trees itself for scheduling was lost, with only mover Catherine Farmer (Future West) and seconder & Chair Derek Battersby (Independent) voting for it. Members Duncan McDonald, Kathryn Davie, Sandy Taylor and Lily Ho all voted against.
Battersby then moved a recommendation that the Board invite nominations from the public for scheduling. This motion was amended by Catherine Farmer to enable the Board to advertise to encourage nominations and this was eventually supported unanimously by the Board.
So common sense finally prevails and the good people of the Whau ward will be able to nominate notable trees to be included in the District Plan schedule via their Local Board by 31 March.
Unfortunately those nominations will not actually be supported by the Board, who clearly don't want to be seen taking sides with the trees, but at least they will be passed onto Council for processing rather than being blocked.
In fact Duncan McDonald seemed more concerned about the fact that he might be prevented from sitting on consent hearings for chopping trees down until it was pointed out that there wouldn't be any more of these once the blanket protection was lifted. Sorry Duncan you'll need to find another job after 2012 - you can thank Nick Smith for that one!
So lets hope the Whau community takes the opportunity to nominate all its culturally, historically and ecologically notable trees to its Board so that beyond 1 Jan 2012 there may be some greenery left in the Whau.
After listening to a public forum plea by Mels Barton to not only allow the public to nominate trees via their Board, but to be proactive and encourage public involvement in the process, the agenda debate took an interesting turn.
The recommendation that the Whau Local Board nominate trees itself for scheduling was lost, with only mover Catherine Farmer (Future West) and seconder & Chair Derek Battersby (Independent) voting for it. Members Duncan McDonald, Kathryn Davie, Sandy Taylor and Lily Ho all voted against.
Battersby then moved a recommendation that the Board invite nominations from the public for scheduling. This motion was amended by Catherine Farmer to enable the Board to advertise to encourage nominations and this was eventually supported unanimously by the Board.
So common sense finally prevails and the good people of the Whau ward will be able to nominate notable trees to be included in the District Plan schedule via their Local Board by 31 March.
Unfortunately those nominations will not actually be supported by the Board, who clearly don't want to be seen taking sides with the trees, but at least they will be passed onto Council for processing rather than being blocked.
In fact Duncan McDonald seemed more concerned about the fact that he might be prevented from sitting on consent hearings for chopping trees down until it was pointed out that there wouldn't be any more of these once the blanket protection was lifted. Sorry Duncan you'll need to find another job after 2012 - you can thank Nick Smith for that one!
So lets hope the Whau community takes the opportunity to nominate all its culturally, historically and ecologically notable trees to its Board so that beyond 1 Jan 2012 there may be some greenery left in the Whau.
Sunday, February 6, 2011
Tree scheduling tests democracy in new Local Boards
An early test of the attitude of Local Boards towards their community's participation in decision making has developed in west Auckland. Whau Local Board Chair Derek Battersby has stated that his Local Board will not be nominating any trees in his ward for scheduling, because private property rights (to chop them down) are more important.
He has even prevented one of his elected Local Board members from placing a Notice of Motion regarding the issue at the next meeting planned for Tues 8 Feb, 6.30pm at the Board's offices at 31 Totara Ave, New Lynn. This is entirely undemocratic and against the standing orders of the Board to prevent members from raising issues by refusing to accept an Order of Motion presented within the appropriate deadlines.
The Whau ward covers Green Bay, New Lynn and Avondale and has one of the lowest levels of trees nominated for scheduling in the Region. Battersby, who lives in tree-covered (but for how long?) Titirangi, makes no secret of his support for the removal of blanket tree protection.
Under the RMA Amendment Act introduced by the National Government in 2010 the blanket tree protection for native trees on private land will be removed and from 1 Jan 2012 anyone can chop down any tree (including kauri) without the need for a consent or any consultation, even with their neighbours whose property may be directly affected by their actions.
Waitakere City, North Shore and the Auckland Regional Council, supported by the Waitakere Ranges Protection Society and various Heritage Area R&R groups made an application to the Environment Court prior to the amalgamation for a declaration on whether the "Managed Natural Areas" (and other specific groups of trees) already identified in District Plans count as "a group of trees" under the new legislation. If the answer is yes then the blanket protection will remain. If it is no then places like Titirangi may face large scale clearance next year, potentially having serious consequences for slope stability and stormwater runoff. The answer is expected later this year.
In the meantime, The Tree Council, Waitakere Ranges Protection Society & others have petitioned Mayor Len Brown and Councilors successfully to set up a policy group including council staff and experts from external organisations to brainstorm a new approach to tree protection policy for urban Auckland that everyone can live with. This group has met once so far and is currently working on a paper of proposals.
With the clock ticking however Local Boards have been given the job of nominating notable trees in their wards for scheduling. For some reason (and on who's authority?) council staff have decided that only the Boards themselves and not the public may nominate trees. Some Boards are asking their community for input and taking a pro-active approach to the issue, even going so far as walking the entire ward. But not so in the Whau where it would appear the trees are doomed unless Derek can be persuaded to listen to his electorate.
You can take the initiative for your street and suggest trees for scheduling to your Local Board by downloading this form, completing it and sending it in by 31 March. It would be prudent to attend your Local Board meeting's public forum and ask to speak to ensure your suggestions will be accepted and put forward by your Board.
A list of the Local Board meetings is here.
Download more information on the new tree rules here.
He has even prevented one of his elected Local Board members from placing a Notice of Motion regarding the issue at the next meeting planned for Tues 8 Feb, 6.30pm at the Board's offices at 31 Totara Ave, New Lynn. This is entirely undemocratic and against the standing orders of the Board to prevent members from raising issues by refusing to accept an Order of Motion presented within the appropriate deadlines.
The Whau ward covers Green Bay, New Lynn and Avondale and has one of the lowest levels of trees nominated for scheduling in the Region. Battersby, who lives in tree-covered (but for how long?) Titirangi, makes no secret of his support for the removal of blanket tree protection.
Under the RMA Amendment Act introduced by the National Government in 2010 the blanket tree protection for native trees on private land will be removed and from 1 Jan 2012 anyone can chop down any tree (including kauri) without the need for a consent or any consultation, even with their neighbours whose property may be directly affected by their actions.
Waitakere City, North Shore and the Auckland Regional Council, supported by the Waitakere Ranges Protection Society and various Heritage Area R&R groups made an application to the Environment Court prior to the amalgamation for a declaration on whether the "Managed Natural Areas" (and other specific groups of trees) already identified in District Plans count as "a group of trees" under the new legislation. If the answer is yes then the blanket protection will remain. If it is no then places like Titirangi may face large scale clearance next year, potentially having serious consequences for slope stability and stormwater runoff. The answer is expected later this year.
In the meantime, The Tree Council, Waitakere Ranges Protection Society & others have petitioned Mayor Len Brown and Councilors successfully to set up a policy group including council staff and experts from external organisations to brainstorm a new approach to tree protection policy for urban Auckland that everyone can live with. This group has met once so far and is currently working on a paper of proposals.
With the clock ticking however Local Boards have been given the job of nominating notable trees in their wards for scheduling. For some reason (and on who's authority?) council staff have decided that only the Boards themselves and not the public may nominate trees. Some Boards are asking their community for input and taking a pro-active approach to the issue, even going so far as walking the entire ward. But not so in the Whau where it would appear the trees are doomed unless Derek can be persuaded to listen to his electorate.
You can take the initiative for your street and suggest trees for scheduling to your Local Board by downloading this form, completing it and sending it in by 31 March. It would be prudent to attend your Local Board meeting's public forum and ask to speak to ensure your suggestions will be accepted and put forward by your Board.
A list of the Local Board meetings is here.
Download more information on the new tree rules here.
Sunday, October 10, 2010
AUCKLAND SUPERCITY ELECTION RESULTS OVERWHELMING
I'm not really sure what to say after being totally overwhelmed by the results this weekend. I think the reality of what has been achieved is now starting to sink in.
So I would like to say a massive THANK YOU to everyone for helping with the campaign, voting & supporting the candidates that can really make Auckland into the super City we truly deserve.
Len Brown IS the man for the job & I want to pass on my heartfelt congratulations and full support to him. The most important thing we can do now is work together to make sure he can achieve the results Auckland so desperately needs to move forward.
It has been a long and arduous road to get to this point from the day Rodney Hide threw away the Royal Commission's report. I certainly feel like I've fought every step of every day since then. Now I want to turn my efforts into something more positive to make this City work for all of us.
Democracy has been returned to Auckland by the people, for the people, with bells on. We have the right man for Mayor & a left wing Council. The Local Boards are a mixed bag, some are full of fantastic people, others will be more challenging, but together we can and will make a difference if we continue to participate and support them. The most important thing will be to ensure that local people do feel included and listened to & that their unique community identities are retained - this is the promise of the left that we must deliver on & we can all help to achieve that.
The successful candidates have a huge job on their hands & their remuneration is a pittance compared to the undoubted workload they will face, so I wish them all luck and strength in their quest - congratulations to all of them. I will continue with my work to feed them the information they need to make quality, informed decisions on the issues that matter to me and my community, which just got a whole lot bigger.
There's just one person I want to single out for special praise & that's Greg Presland, the Chair of Future West and now new Local Board member for the Waitakere Ranges. Congratulations Greg and thanks for running such a professional & smooth campaign for Future West. It has been an absolute pleasure & very easy to work alongside you, I certainly don't feel anyone could've done more than you to deliver the right results for the west & we should all be incredibly grateful to you. I have learned heaps, thoroughly enjoyed myself & am looking forward to doing it all again in 3 yrs time :)
Auckland has taken back the power of its own destiny from those who would strip it from us. The Government has been sent a very strong message they would do well to listen to. Roll on the General Election - and here's to Auckland - our super City.
cheers
Mels Barton
President, GAG
Secretary, Future West
PS there have been some excellent articles analysing the results I've listed below FYI as well as links to the full results in case you haven't seen them.
The full results on the www.elections2010.co.nz website:
http://www.elections2010.co.nz/2010/elections/auckland-council#auckland-council-whau-ward
Left Leaning Council for Len Brown by Bernard Orsman & Michael Dickison:
http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=10679299
Left wing flying high over the Supercity by Matt McCarten:
http://www.nzherald.co.nz/opinion/news/article.cfm?c_id=466&objectid=10679363
Super Len to lead Supercity by Kieran Nash:
http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=10679464
Power shifts to Auckland by Jonathan Milne:
http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=10679481
Left, right & centre - it's a council for all by Bernard Orsman:
http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=10679675
Names at top of alphabet sweep DHB seats by Martin Johnston:
http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=10679646
Brown's lefty hordes show the big boys who's in charge by Brian Rudman:
http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=10679672
Brown's town just got a lot bigger by Frances Morton:
http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=10679400
Articles "Thanks for your support" by Greg Presland and "This is only the beginning" by our youngest candidate Lincoln Dam on the Future West website:
http://futurewest.org.nz/
So I would like to say a massive THANK YOU to everyone for helping with the campaign, voting & supporting the candidates that can really make Auckland into the super City we truly deserve.
Len Brown IS the man for the job & I want to pass on my heartfelt congratulations and full support to him. The most important thing we can do now is work together to make sure he can achieve the results Auckland so desperately needs to move forward.
It has been a long and arduous road to get to this point from the day Rodney Hide threw away the Royal Commission's report. I certainly feel like I've fought every step of every day since then. Now I want to turn my efforts into something more positive to make this City work for all of us.
Democracy has been returned to Auckland by the people, for the people, with bells on. We have the right man for Mayor & a left wing Council. The Local Boards are a mixed bag, some are full of fantastic people, others will be more challenging, but together we can and will make a difference if we continue to participate and support them. The most important thing will be to ensure that local people do feel included and listened to & that their unique community identities are retained - this is the promise of the left that we must deliver on & we can all help to achieve that.
The successful candidates have a huge job on their hands & their remuneration is a pittance compared to the undoubted workload they will face, so I wish them all luck and strength in their quest - congratulations to all of them. I will continue with my work to feed them the information they need to make quality, informed decisions on the issues that matter to me and my community, which just got a whole lot bigger.
There's just one person I want to single out for special praise & that's Greg Presland, the Chair of Future West and now new Local Board member for the Waitakere Ranges. Congratulations Greg and thanks for running such a professional & smooth campaign for Future West. It has been an absolute pleasure & very easy to work alongside you, I certainly don't feel anyone could've done more than you to deliver the right results for the west & we should all be incredibly grateful to you. I have learned heaps, thoroughly enjoyed myself & am looking forward to doing it all again in 3 yrs time :)
Auckland has taken back the power of its own destiny from those who would strip it from us. The Government has been sent a very strong message they would do well to listen to. Roll on the General Election - and here's to Auckland - our super City.
cheers
Mels Barton
President, GAG
Secretary, Future West
PS there have been some excellent articles analysing the results I've listed below FYI as well as links to the full results in case you haven't seen them.
The full results on the www.elections2010.co.nz website:
http://www.elections2010.co.nz/2010/elections/auckland-council#auckland-council-whau-ward
Left Leaning Council for Len Brown by Bernard Orsman & Michael Dickison:
http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=10679299
Left wing flying high over the Supercity by Matt McCarten:
http://www.nzherald.co.nz/opinion/news/article.cfm?c_id=466&objectid=10679363
Super Len to lead Supercity by Kieran Nash:
http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=10679464
Power shifts to Auckland by Jonathan Milne:
http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=10679481
Left, right & centre - it's a council for all by Bernard Orsman:
http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=10679675
Names at top of alphabet sweep DHB seats by Martin Johnston:
http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=10679646
Brown's lefty hordes show the big boys who's in charge by Brian Rudman:
http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=10679672
Brown's town just got a lot bigger by Frances Morton:
http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=10679400
Articles "Thanks for your support" by Greg Presland and "This is only the beginning" by our youngest candidate Lincoln Dam on the Future West website:
http://futurewest.org.nz/
Monday, September 6, 2010
FUTURE WEST & FUTURE WHAU FUNDRAISING EVENTS
GAG is part of the Future West coalition, working hard to get great people elected to the new Local Boards for the Waitakere and Whau wards.
Please support our fundraising events below or contact Mels Barton on mels@wombatsenvironmental.co.nz to make a donation.
Details of Future West's principles and profiles of all our candidates are on www.futurewest.org.nz
DINNER AT HANDI RESTAURANT
Thursday 16th September, 6.30pm
421 Titirangi Road, Titirangi Village.
Down driveway behind the Shell Petrol station, opposite The Hardware Cafe.
Enjoy the wonderful atmosphere and tasty food with bush and city views.
$25 per person includes four curries (Buffet) rice and naan. Wine $4, Juice $2
BAGEL BRUNCH AT EARTHSONG ECO-NEIGHBOURHOOD
Sunday 19th September, 10am
Meet the candidates and enjoy bagels, freshly-squeezed juices and espresso coffee in the beautiful, relaxed surroundings of New Zealands first and only co-housing neighbourhood.
$20 per person
Earthsong, Swanson Rd, Ranui.
Please support our fundraising events below or contact Mels Barton on mels@wombatsenvironmental.co.nz to make a donation.
Details of Future West's principles and profiles of all our candidates are on www.futurewest.org.nz
DINNER AT HANDI RESTAURANT
Thursday 16th September, 6.30pm
421 Titirangi Road, Titirangi Village.
Down driveway behind the Shell Petrol station, opposite The Hardware Cafe.
Enjoy the wonderful atmosphere and tasty food with bush and city views.
$25 per person includes four curries (Buffet) rice and naan. Wine $4, Juice $2
BAGEL BRUNCH AT EARTHSONG ECO-NEIGHBOURHOOD
Sunday 19th September, 10am
Meet the candidates and enjoy bagels, freshly-squeezed juices and espresso coffee in the beautiful, relaxed surroundings of New Zealands first and only co-housing neighbourhood.
$20 per person
Earthsong, Swanson Rd, Ranui.
FUTURE WEST CANDIDATES ANNOUNCED
PRESS RELEASE – For immediate release, 24 August 2010
The Future West team has selected the candidates they wish to stand in the Waitakere Ward for the Auckland Council elections in October under the banner “Future West”.
The values Future West candidates are campaigning on include:
- keeping public assets in public ownership, no privatisation;
- restoring local democracy;
- retaining local identity for communities and ensuring they have a strong voice.
“The candidates that we have picked to stand for the Future West team have a great mixture of skills, experience, background, age, enthusiasm and ethnicity that we think reflects the diversity of the ward” says Future West Chair Greg Presland.
“The candidates we have selected represent the grassroots community and will be working together to restore democracy to the Super City for the future of everyone in the Waitakere Ranges, Henderson and Massey” says GAG President Mels Barton.
The candidates standing for the Waitakere Ranges Local Board in the Waitakere Ward for Future West are:
Greg Presland
Denise Yates
Neil Henderson
Steve Tollestrup
The candidates standing for the Henderson-Massey Local Board in the Waitakere Ward for Future West are:
Jeremy Greenbrook-Held
Melody Shinnick
Gary Stewart
Lyndon Walker
Lincoln Dam
Richard Prakash
The candidates standing for the Portage Licensing Trust for Future West are:
Ami Chand
Neil Henderson
Brett Austin
The candidate standing for the Waitakere Licensing Trust for Future West is:
Jeremy Greenbrook-Held
More details regarding all candidates are available on the Future West and City Vision websites at www.futurewest.org.nz
Future West is a coalition of the Labour Party, Green Party and independent community groups.
ENDS
The Future West team has selected the candidates they wish to stand in the Waitakere Ward for the Auckland Council elections in October under the banner “Future West”.
The values Future West candidates are campaigning on include:
- keeping public assets in public ownership, no privatisation;
- restoring local democracy;
- retaining local identity for communities and ensuring they have a strong voice.
“The candidates that we have picked to stand for the Future West team have a great mixture of skills, experience, background, age, enthusiasm and ethnicity that we think reflects the diversity of the ward” says Future West Chair Greg Presland.
“The candidates we have selected represent the grassroots community and will be working together to restore democracy to the Super City for the future of everyone in the Waitakere Ranges, Henderson and Massey” says GAG President Mels Barton.
The candidates standing for the Waitakere Ranges Local Board in the Waitakere Ward for Future West are:
Greg Presland
Denise Yates
Neil Henderson
Steve Tollestrup
The candidates standing for the Henderson-Massey Local Board in the Waitakere Ward for Future West are:
Jeremy Greenbrook-Held
Melody Shinnick
Gary Stewart
Lyndon Walker
Lincoln Dam
Richard Prakash
The candidates standing for the Portage Licensing Trust for Future West are:
Ami Chand
Neil Henderson
Brett Austin
The candidate standing for the Waitakere Licensing Trust for Future West is:
Jeremy Greenbrook-Held
More details regarding all candidates are available on the Future West and City Vision websites at www.futurewest.org.nz
Future West is a coalition of the Labour Party, Green Party and independent community groups.
ENDS
Monday, July 19, 2010
DR MELS BARTON ON THE VINNIE EASTWOOD SHOW
Mels Barton will be interviewed live on the Vinnie Eastwood show, broadcasting in the United States on Weds 21 July at 7am (NZ local time).
You can listen to the show online here www.thevinnyeastwoodshow.com
The Vinnie Eastwood Show is part of American Freedom Radio www.americanfreedomradio.com
You can listen to the show online here www.thevinnyeastwoodshow.com
The Vinnie Eastwood Show is part of American Freedom Radio www.americanfreedomradio.com
Monday, July 12, 2010
FUTURE WHAU AND PORTAGE CANDIDATES ANNOUNCED
PRESS RELEASE – For immediate release, Tuesday 13 July 2010
The Future West and City Vision teams have selected the candidates they wish to stand in the Whau Ward for the Auckland Council elections in October under the banner “Future Whau”.
“The candidates that we have picked to stand for the Future Whau team have a great range of skills, experience, background, age and ethnicity that we think reflects the diversity of the ward” says Future West Chair Greg Presland.
“Future West and City Vision are working together to pool resources and get the best outcome for the people of the Whau Ward” says City Vision Chair Robert Gallagher.
“The candidates we have selected represent the grassroots community and will be working together to restore democracy to the Super City for the future of everyone in the Whau” says GAG President Mels Barton.
The candidates standing for the Local Board in the Whau Ward for Future Whau are:
Nick Bakulich
Catherine Farmer
Cherie Jamieson
Gary Marshall
Ann Pala
Eve Robertson
Imi Tovia
The candidates standing for the Portage Licensing Trust for Future West are:
Catherine Farmer
Margi Watson
Lorraine Wilson
More details regarding all candidates will be available on the Future West and City Vision websites at www.futurewest.org.nz or cityvision.org.nz once all selections are complete.
Future West and City Vision are coalitions of the Labour Party, Green Party and independent community groups.
The Future West and City Vision teams have selected the candidates they wish to stand in the Whau Ward for the Auckland Council elections in October under the banner “Future Whau”.
“The candidates that we have picked to stand for the Future Whau team have a great range of skills, experience, background, age and ethnicity that we think reflects the diversity of the ward” says Future West Chair Greg Presland.
“Future West and City Vision are working together to pool resources and get the best outcome for the people of the Whau Ward” says City Vision Chair Robert Gallagher.
“The candidates we have selected represent the grassroots community and will be working together to restore democracy to the Super City for the future of everyone in the Whau” says GAG President Mels Barton.
The candidates standing for the Local Board in the Whau Ward for Future Whau are:
Nick Bakulich
Catherine Farmer
Cherie Jamieson
Gary Marshall
Ann Pala
Eve Robertson
Imi Tovia
The candidates standing for the Portage Licensing Trust for Future West are:
Catherine Farmer
Margi Watson
Lorraine Wilson
More details regarding all candidates will be available on the Future West and City Vision websites at www.futurewest.org.nz or cityvision.org.nz once all selections are complete.
Future West and City Vision are coalitions of the Labour Party, Green Party and independent community groups.
Thursday, July 1, 2010
Dr Mels Barton. Ecology of a Supercity, Governance and Democracy
GreenplanetFM 104.6 Thursday 1st July 8-9am
Dr Mels Barton. Ecology of a Supercity, Governance and Democracy
Listen online at any time by clicking here.
Listen to a clear and lucid understanding of what the many grass roots and
volunteer groups are doing to make NZ sustainable and the excellent work
they do, what charitable trusts support them, how local government needs
more consciousness to see that an ecological approach to environment,
health and community are critical to where we are going as a nation.
That at a national level, the Government still sees the environment as
'something' to exploit, when for example, in England Marks and Spence the
huge super store has gone sustainable and is producing larger profits,
because of going more into organics and a healthier lifestyle.
On top of this the NZ Resource Management Act is perceived as woolly, in
that there are no numbers in it, no targets, or standards, and that we are
20 years behind Europe in writing and complying with policy. When in fact
we could be the planetary leader!
Finally, an exceptionally clear summary about the Supercity, Governance
and Loss of Democracy. Plus, what is the Search and Surveillance Bill that
is being foisted upon us, a peaceful nation of only 4 million kiwis? Why
such draconian measures and who it there right mind would conjure up such
a hideous concept?
GreenplanetFM 104.6 Thur 1 July 8-9am
Dr Mels Barton
http://www.gag.net.nz
http://www.ourauckland.org.nz
http://pavingparadise.net
http://www.waitakereranges.org.nz
With Tim Lynch in Mobilising Consciousness
Dr Mels Barton. Ecology of a Supercity, Governance and Democracy
Listen online at any time by clicking here.
Listen to a clear and lucid understanding of what the many grass roots and
volunteer groups are doing to make NZ sustainable and the excellent work
they do, what charitable trusts support them, how local government needs
more consciousness to see that an ecological approach to environment,
health and community are critical to where we are going as a nation.
That at a national level, the Government still sees the environment as
'something' to exploit, when for example, in England Marks and Spence the
huge super store has gone sustainable and is producing larger profits,
because of going more into organics and a healthier lifestyle.
On top of this the NZ Resource Management Act is perceived as woolly, in
that there are no numbers in it, no targets, or standards, and that we are
20 years behind Europe in writing and complying with policy. When in fact
we could be the planetary leader!
Finally, an exceptionally clear summary about the Supercity, Governance
and Loss of Democracy. Plus, what is the Search and Surveillance Bill that
is being foisted upon us, a peaceful nation of only 4 million kiwis? Why
such draconian measures and who it there right mind would conjure up such
a hideous concept?
GreenplanetFM 104.6 Thur 1 July 8-9am
Dr Mels Barton
http://www.gag.net.nz
http://www.ourauckland.org.nz
http://pavingparadise.net
http://www.waitakereranges.org.nz
With Tim Lynch in Mobilising Consciousness
Monday, June 28, 2010
STOP PRIVATISATION PUBLIC MEETING
No corporate control over our water!
Investigate United Water's 7 New Zealand contracts - were they based on misrepresented pricing?
Monday 5 July, 7.30pm at Freemans Bay Community Centre, 52 Hepburn St, Ponsonby.
Confirmed speakers:
Penny Bright - Water Pressuregroup Spokesperson
Tony Holman - North Shore City Councillor
Allan McCullough - Grey Power Auckland Regional Director
Phil Twyford MP - Labour Party Auckland Issues Spokesperson
Winston Peters - Leader, New Zealand First
Invited Speakers:
Rodney Hide - Minister for Local Government
Mark Ford - Executive Chair, Auckland Transition Agency
Green Party Speaker
National Party Speaker
Maori Party Speaker
More details at www.stopprivatisation.org.nz
Investigate United Water's 7 New Zealand contracts - were they based on misrepresented pricing?
Monday 5 July, 7.30pm at Freemans Bay Community Centre, 52 Hepburn St, Ponsonby.
Confirmed speakers:
Penny Bright - Water Pressuregroup Spokesperson
Tony Holman - North Shore City Councillor
Allan McCullough - Grey Power Auckland Regional Director
Phil Twyford MP - Labour Party Auckland Issues Spokesperson
Winston Peters - Leader, New Zealand First
Invited Speakers:
Rodney Hide - Minister for Local Government
Mark Ford - Executive Chair, Auckland Transition Agency
Green Party Speaker
National Party Speaker
Maori Party Speaker
More details at www.stopprivatisation.org.nz
Tuesday, June 8, 2010
MAKE A SUBMISSION ON PRIVATISATION
The Labour Party have written a guide on making a submission on the Local Government Amendment Bill, which you can download here:
http://blog.labour.org.nz/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/Guide-to-Making-a-Submission-on-the-Local-Government-Act-2002-Amendment-Bill.pdf
http://blog.labour.org.nz/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/Guide-to-Making-a-Submission-on-the-Local-Government-Act-2002-Amendment-Bill.pdf
COMMUNITY RALLIES AGAINST WATER PRIVATISATION
PRESS RELEASE
For immediate release: Tuesday 8 June 2010
COMMUNITY RALLIES AGAINST WATER PRIVATISATION
Community groups from all around the country will gather at their local town hall or council offices on Saturday 12 June from 12-2pm to protest against privatisation of water and other public assets.
Rallies are being organised for a National Day of Action Against Privatisation at town halls throughout New Zealand, as well as in Australia, and the organisers hope to get a good turnout from the public. In West Auckland the Grassroots Action Group (GAG) is working with others to put on the event at Waitakere City Council.
“No one should profit from water - it is a natural monopoly, a necessity of life, and a human right,” says GAG spokesperson Mels Barton. “The Government is making it easy for private companies in New Zealand to do exactly that and selling our water to foreign investors.”
On Tuesday 4 May 2010 the Local Government Amendment Bill passed its first reading in New Zealand Parliament. While the government is denying this, the Bill allows councils to privatise water. They will be able to:
* Enter into contracts with private companies to run water services for up to 35 years (the current limit is 15 years);
* Allow private companies to own and control water infrastructure for the duration of these contracts (the current legislation requires councils to retain ownership and control of water).
The long-term leases the Bill allows for are the dominant model of water privatisation in the world. It is very rare for councils or governments to sell off the water asset entirely. Long-term leases work in the private companies’ favour as they can make profit from water while the public sector retains long-term costs and responsibility.
Internationally the model that has been proposed is shown to lead to higher water costs, less accountability and reduced services. The global water industry is dominated by two mega companies Suez and Veolia. A subsidiary of Veolia is United Water who is already active in New Zealand.
Mels Barton says the event is very important for the public to attend. “We will be encouraging people to make submissions to the select committee on the Government’s proposals and give them the strong message that privatising New Zealand’s water is not an option.”
For immediate release: Tuesday 8 June 2010
COMMUNITY RALLIES AGAINST WATER PRIVATISATION
Community groups from all around the country will gather at their local town hall or council offices on Saturday 12 June from 12-2pm to protest against privatisation of water and other public assets.
Rallies are being organised for a National Day of Action Against Privatisation at town halls throughout New Zealand, as well as in Australia, and the organisers hope to get a good turnout from the public. In West Auckland the Grassroots Action Group (GAG) is working with others to put on the event at Waitakere City Council.
“No one should profit from water - it is a natural monopoly, a necessity of life, and a human right,” says GAG spokesperson Mels Barton. “The Government is making it easy for private companies in New Zealand to do exactly that and selling our water to foreign investors.”
On Tuesday 4 May 2010 the Local Government Amendment Bill passed its first reading in New Zealand Parliament. While the government is denying this, the Bill allows councils to privatise water. They will be able to:
* Enter into contracts with private companies to run water services for up to 35 years (the current limit is 15 years);
* Allow private companies to own and control water infrastructure for the duration of these contracts (the current legislation requires councils to retain ownership and control of water).
The long-term leases the Bill allows for are the dominant model of water privatisation in the world. It is very rare for councils or governments to sell off the water asset entirely. Long-term leases work in the private companies’ favour as they can make profit from water while the public sector retains long-term costs and responsibility.
Internationally the model that has been proposed is shown to lead to higher water costs, less accountability and reduced services. The global water industry is dominated by two mega companies Suez and Veolia. A subsidiary of Veolia is United Water who is already active in New Zealand.
Mels Barton says the event is very important for the public to attend. “We will be encouraging people to make submissions to the select committee on the Government’s proposals and give them the strong message that privatising New Zealand’s water is not an option.”
Sunday, June 6, 2010
National Day of Action Against Privatisation - Saturday, 12 June 2010
No one should profit from water - it is a natural monopoly, a necessity of life, and a human right.
On Tuesday 4 May 2010 the Local Government Amendment Bill passed its first reading in New Zealand Parliament. While the government is denying this, the Bill allows councils to privatise water. They will be able to:
* Enter into contracts with private companies to run water services for up to 35 years (the current limit is 15 years)
* Allow private companies to own and control water infrastructure for the duration of these contracts (the current legislation requires councils to retain ownership and control of water)
The long-term leases the Bill allows for are the dominant model of water privatisation in the world. It is very rare for councils or governments to sell off the water asset entirely. Long term leases work in private companies favour as they can make profit from water while the public sector retains long-term costs and responsibilty.
Internationally the model that has been proposed is shown to lead to higher water costs, less accountability and reduced services. The global water industry is dominated by two mega companies Suez and Veolia. A subsidary of Veolia is United Water and already active in New Zealand.
Get organised with your friends, whanau, church, school, club to oppose water privatisation. Join the National Day of Action in your area. Even if you can't attend, please click 'Invite people to come' and let others know about it.
Whangarei
12 noon - 2.00pm
Proposed Rally outside Whangerei District Council Chambers, Forum North Building, Rust Avenue, Whangarei
Assistance needed with placards / speakers
Contact: Claire Swinney, (09) 430 7252 or 021-0732885
North Shore City
12 noon - 2.00pm
Rally outside North Shore City Council Chambers
1 The Strand, Takapuna
Contact: Kerry Bevan: (09) 473 3747 or Percy Allison on (09) 443 0369
Waitakere City
12 noon - 2.00pm
Rally outside Waitakere City Council Chambers
6 Henderson Valley Road, Henderson, Waitakere
Contact: Mered Barrar: (09) 836 6389
Auckland
12.00-2.00pm,
Rally outside Auckland Town Hall.
Contact Penny Bright: waterpressure@gmail.com or (09) 846 9825 or 021 211 4127
Website: www.stopprivatisation.org.nz/
Manukau City
12 noon - 2.00pm
Rally outside Manakau City Council Chambers
31-33 Wiri Station Road (opposite Manukau District Court), Manukau City Centre
Contact: Bill Wiki by email or 021 058 6538
Franklin District Council
12 noon - 2pm
Outside Franklin District Council Chambers
82 Manukau Road, Pukekohe
Contact: Judy Spencer (09) 236 3899 or Margaret Swift Ph Judy (09) 236 3899
Or email Franklin against Water Privatisation: thestudio@paradise.net.nz
Hamilton
12.00-2.00pm (ring to confirm)
Rally outside Hamilton City Council Chambers
Contact: Mischelle Rhodes: tommopmog@gmail.com or (07) 847 7405
Kapiti Coast
Coastlands stall and rally,
Contact David Scott: davidscott@ihug.co.nz
Hutt City
12 noon - 2pm
Main Council Building, 30 Laings Road, Lower Hutt
Contact Anna Sutherland: anna@yorkbay.net.nz or 021 349 411
Kapiti Coast
Coastlands stall and rally,
Contact David Scott: davidscott@ihug.co.nz
Wellington
11.30am
Bucket Fountain on Cuba Street. moving at 12.30 to the Wellington City Council Buildings, 101 Wakefield St Wellington
Contact Sam Buchanan: quackysam@hotmail.com
Website: www.righttowater.org.nz
Christchurch, NB Sunday not Saturday
Sunday 13th June, 3pm
Cathedral Square, Cathedral will be open if its wet
Contact Eugenie Sage (03) 329 8177
Website: www.ourwaterourvote.org.nz
Dunedin
12.00-2.00pm
Dunedin Council Chambers, Civic Centre, 50 The Octogan
Contact Fliss Butcher: (03) 477 9972
or Lyndon Weggery: LWeggery@hotmail.com
On Tuesday 4 May 2010 the Local Government Amendment Bill passed its first reading in New Zealand Parliament. While the government is denying this, the Bill allows councils to privatise water. They will be able to:
* Enter into contracts with private companies to run water services for up to 35 years (the current limit is 15 years)
* Allow private companies to own and control water infrastructure for the duration of these contracts (the current legislation requires councils to retain ownership and control of water)
The long-term leases the Bill allows for are the dominant model of water privatisation in the world. It is very rare for councils or governments to sell off the water asset entirely. Long term leases work in private companies favour as they can make profit from water while the public sector retains long-term costs and responsibilty.
Internationally the model that has been proposed is shown to lead to higher water costs, less accountability and reduced services. The global water industry is dominated by two mega companies Suez and Veolia. A subsidary of Veolia is United Water and already active in New Zealand.
Get organised with your friends, whanau, church, school, club to oppose water privatisation. Join the National Day of Action in your area. Even if you can't attend, please click 'Invite people to come' and let others know about it.
Whangarei
12 noon - 2.00pm
Proposed Rally outside Whangerei District Council Chambers, Forum North Building, Rust Avenue, Whangarei
Assistance needed with placards / speakers
Contact: Claire Swinney, (09) 430 7252 or 021-0732885
North Shore City
12 noon - 2.00pm
Rally outside North Shore City Council Chambers
1 The Strand, Takapuna
Contact: Kerry Bevan: (09) 473 3747 or Percy Allison on (09) 443 0369
Waitakere City
12 noon - 2.00pm
Rally outside Waitakere City Council Chambers
6 Henderson Valley Road, Henderson, Waitakere
Contact: Mered Barrar: (09) 836 6389
Auckland
12.00-2.00pm,
Rally outside Auckland Town Hall.
Contact Penny Bright: waterpressure@gmail.com or (09) 846 9825 or 021 211 4127
Website: www.stopprivatisation.org.nz/
Manukau City
12 noon - 2.00pm
Rally outside Manakau City Council Chambers
31-33 Wiri Station Road (opposite Manukau District Court), Manukau City Centre
Contact: Bill Wiki by email or 021 058 6538
Franklin District Council
12 noon - 2pm
Outside Franklin District Council Chambers
82 Manukau Road, Pukekohe
Contact: Judy Spencer (09) 236 3899 or Margaret Swift Ph Judy (09) 236 3899
Or email Franklin against Water Privatisation: thestudio@paradise.net.nz
Hamilton
12.00-2.00pm (ring to confirm)
Rally outside Hamilton City Council Chambers
Contact: Mischelle Rhodes: tommopmog@gmail.com or (07) 847 7405
Kapiti Coast
Coastlands stall and rally,
Contact David Scott: davidscott@ihug.co.nz
Hutt City
12 noon - 2pm
Main Council Building, 30 Laings Road, Lower Hutt
Contact Anna Sutherland: anna@yorkbay.net.nz or 021 349 411
Kapiti Coast
Coastlands stall and rally,
Contact David Scott: davidscott@ihug.co.nz
Wellington
11.30am
Bucket Fountain on Cuba Street. moving at 12.30 to the Wellington City Council Buildings, 101 Wakefield St Wellington
Contact Sam Buchanan: quackysam@hotmail.com
Website: www.righttowater.org.nz
Christchurch, NB Sunday not Saturday
Sunday 13th June, 3pm
Cathedral Square, Cathedral will be open if its wet
Contact Eugenie Sage (03) 329 8177
Website: www.ourwaterourvote.org.nz
Dunedin
12.00-2.00pm
Dunedin Council Chambers, Civic Centre, 50 The Octogan
Contact Fliss Butcher: (03) 477 9972
or Lyndon Weggery: LWeggery@hotmail.com
Monday, May 31, 2010
LAST CHANCE TO PARTICIPATE IN SUPER CITY DEBATE
The Third Super-City Bill has now been tabled in the House of Representatives and will be debated through its final stages during Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday 1-3 June 2010 from 3.30-6pm and 7.30-10pm. You can watch or listen to the debates live here:
http://www.parliament.nz/en-NZ/AboutParl/SeeHear/PTV/
If you would like to influence the outcome of the debate and the future of Auckland you can contact the MPs for Auckland during the debate and tell them your views or request that they make statements or ask questions on your behalf. Their contact details are below. They will all have their Blackberries with them in the House, so they can receive your emails as the debate progresses.
Their details are listed on the Our Auckland website at:
http://www.ourauckland.org.nz/the-campaign/contact-auckland-mps/
The main issues you might want to raise with them are:
# The creation of 7 Council Controlled Organisations (CCOs) to run Transport, Water, Major Regional Facilities, The Waterfront Development Agency, Property Holdings, Tourism and Events, Growth and Development in advance of the Mayor and Council being elected.
# The Government appointed Board members of these CCOs.
# The fact that elected representatives will not be allowed to sit on the boards of CCOs.
# The lack of democratic accountability of these CCOs (a quarterly report is not sufficient).
# The lack of decision and bylaw making powers of Local Boards (CCOs can do both these things).
# The fact that the powers and roles of Local Boards are not enshrined in the legislation as promised.
# The lack of meaningful representation for Maori.
# The lack of permanent advisory panels for Pacific and Ethnic Peoples.
# The lack of representation for Youth, the Elderly and the Disabled.
This is our very last chance to participate in democratic debate around the future for our city - have your say!
Labour MP Phil Twyford will be tabling an amendment to the Bill which removes the Waterfront Development Agency, Transport CCO, and Water CCO and makes it explicit that the Auckland Council shall be able to determine what to do with each CCO once elected - you may want to support his stance and tell the Government MPs that you do and ask them to vote for it.
http://www.parliament.nz/en-NZ/AboutParl/SeeHear/PTV/
If you would like to influence the outcome of the debate and the future of Auckland you can contact the MPs for Auckland during the debate and tell them your views or request that they make statements or ask questions on your behalf. Their contact details are below. They will all have their Blackberries with them in the House, so they can receive your emails as the debate progresses.
Their details are listed on the Our Auckland website at:
http://www.ourauckland.org.nz/the-campaign/contact-auckland-mps/
The main issues you might want to raise with them are:
# The creation of 7 Council Controlled Organisations (CCOs) to run Transport, Water, Major Regional Facilities, The Waterfront Development Agency, Property Holdings, Tourism and Events, Growth and Development in advance of the Mayor and Council being elected.
# The Government appointed Board members of these CCOs.
# The fact that elected representatives will not be allowed to sit on the boards of CCOs.
# The lack of democratic accountability of these CCOs (a quarterly report is not sufficient).
# The lack of decision and bylaw making powers of Local Boards (CCOs can do both these things).
# The fact that the powers and roles of Local Boards are not enshrined in the legislation as promised.
# The lack of meaningful representation for Maori.
# The lack of permanent advisory panels for Pacific and Ethnic Peoples.
# The lack of representation for Youth, the Elderly and the Disabled.
This is our very last chance to participate in democratic debate around the future for our city - have your say!
Labour MP Phil Twyford will be tabling an amendment to the Bill which removes the Waterfront Development Agency, Transport CCO, and Water CCO and makes it explicit that the Auckland Council shall be able to determine what to do with each CCO once elected - you may want to support his stance and tell the Government MPs that you do and ask them to vote for it.
Sunday, May 30, 2010
OPEN LETTER TO GOVERNMENT
28 May 2010
Paula Bennett Nikki Kaye
MP for Waitakere MP for Auckland Central
429 Great North Road 82 College Hill
Henderson Freemans Bay
Dear Paula and Nikki,
We are writing this open letter to you as members of John Key’s Government. This letter is a request to table the issues outlined below before the committee sessions regarding the Local Government (Auckland Law Reform) Bill, currently before the House.
As you may be aware our organization has recently polled Aucklanders to find out their views on the Government proposals contained in this Bill. We had over 9,000 responses. Of these 96% do not approve of the way the Government is setting up the new Auckland Council, 95% do not think that enough attention has been paid to the wishes of Aucklanders and 94% do not think the Government has officially asked them what kind of Auckland they want.
In addition, 92% did not want core Council services such as water, transport, economic development, and tourism and events to be operated by corporate, unelected CCOs. In addition, 92% would not give their permission for CCOs to take charge of Auckland's most important assets.
95% thought that there should be a binding referendum of Aucklanders before significant assets like water, ports, airport shares, museums and stadia were sold or privatised.
90% wanted decisions about issues that affect their neighbourhood to be made by their Local Board, and 85% did not think it was fair that Local Boards could not make decisions and bylaws, but only make recommendations to the Auckland Council.
56% agreed that there should be dedicated seats for Maori on the Auckland Council and 67% agreed that there should be permanent Ethnic and Pacific Advisory Panels, as recommended by the Royal Commission.
88% thought that people living on the fringe of Auckland should be asked whether they wanted to be part of the new Auckland structure. Of those who responded only 17% came from Rodney, Franklin, Papakura or the Gulf Islands, with 81% coming from the metropolitan cities of Auckland, North Shore, Waitakere and Manukau.
We think that these results send a very clear message to the Government that the people of Auckland want a democratic city, not the corporate one that has been outlined in the Bill. Unfortunately the changes proposed by the Select Committee, although a step in the right direction, fall far short of adequately addressing these concerns.
Therefore we request that the Government amend the Bill to meet the following requirements. We then believe it would be acceptable to more Aucklanders than it is at present and form a solid foundation from which to lead Auckland forward to a more secure future for everyone.
• The decision regarding CCOs (which services should be delivered by them, if any, who is on the boards and how they are appointed) to be made by the incoming Mayor and Councillors and be based on their vision for Auckland not by the Government in advance.
• The setting up of CCOs to be delayed until after the new Council is elected and settled in. The status quo should remain until then.
• The Local Boards to have real decision-making powers and adequate budgets and resources allocated via an appropriate formula set out in legislation to deliver local services and local accountability.
• The Local Boards, Council and CCOs to be formally linked together so that decision making and accountability can be communicated, accountable, effective and efficient.
• The Pacific and Ethnic Boards to be made permanent to ensure New Zealand's most culturally diverse region has a strong and sustained influence in decision making.
• There to be a binding referendum (vote or poll) of the people of Auckland before any sale of substantial public assets can be made and for all public assets to be held on the people’s behalf by the Auckland Council and not be transferred to the CCOs.
• Requirements for CCOS to have public meetings, publish agendas and minutes, and consult on issues affecting communities to be set out clearly in legislation.
• Three dedicated Maori seats as per the recommendation of the Royal Commission.
We look forward to your response.
Yours sincerely
Mels Barton on behalf of
Our Auckland and all Aucklanders
Paula Bennett Nikki Kaye
MP for Waitakere MP for Auckland Central
429 Great North Road 82 College Hill
Henderson Freemans Bay
Dear Paula and Nikki,
We are writing this open letter to you as members of John Key’s Government. This letter is a request to table the issues outlined below before the committee sessions regarding the Local Government (Auckland Law Reform) Bill, currently before the House.
As you may be aware our organization has recently polled Aucklanders to find out their views on the Government proposals contained in this Bill. We had over 9,000 responses. Of these 96% do not approve of the way the Government is setting up the new Auckland Council, 95% do not think that enough attention has been paid to the wishes of Aucklanders and 94% do not think the Government has officially asked them what kind of Auckland they want.
In addition, 92% did not want core Council services such as water, transport, economic development, and tourism and events to be operated by corporate, unelected CCOs. In addition, 92% would not give their permission for CCOs to take charge of Auckland's most important assets.
95% thought that there should be a binding referendum of Aucklanders before significant assets like water, ports, airport shares, museums and stadia were sold or privatised.
90% wanted decisions about issues that affect their neighbourhood to be made by their Local Board, and 85% did not think it was fair that Local Boards could not make decisions and bylaws, but only make recommendations to the Auckland Council.
56% agreed that there should be dedicated seats for Maori on the Auckland Council and 67% agreed that there should be permanent Ethnic and Pacific Advisory Panels, as recommended by the Royal Commission.
88% thought that people living on the fringe of Auckland should be asked whether they wanted to be part of the new Auckland structure. Of those who responded only 17% came from Rodney, Franklin, Papakura or the Gulf Islands, with 81% coming from the metropolitan cities of Auckland, North Shore, Waitakere and Manukau.
We think that these results send a very clear message to the Government that the people of Auckland want a democratic city, not the corporate one that has been outlined in the Bill. Unfortunately the changes proposed by the Select Committee, although a step in the right direction, fall far short of adequately addressing these concerns.
Therefore we request that the Government amend the Bill to meet the following requirements. We then believe it would be acceptable to more Aucklanders than it is at present and form a solid foundation from which to lead Auckland forward to a more secure future for everyone.
• The decision regarding CCOs (which services should be delivered by them, if any, who is on the boards and how they are appointed) to be made by the incoming Mayor and Councillors and be based on their vision for Auckland not by the Government in advance.
• The setting up of CCOs to be delayed until after the new Council is elected and settled in. The status quo should remain until then.
• The Local Boards to have real decision-making powers and adequate budgets and resources allocated via an appropriate formula set out in legislation to deliver local services and local accountability.
• The Local Boards, Council and CCOs to be formally linked together so that decision making and accountability can be communicated, accountable, effective and efficient.
• The Pacific and Ethnic Boards to be made permanent to ensure New Zealand's most culturally diverse region has a strong and sustained influence in decision making.
• There to be a binding referendum (vote or poll) of the people of Auckland before any sale of substantial public assets can be made and for all public assets to be held on the people’s behalf by the Auckland Council and not be transferred to the CCOs.
• Requirements for CCOS to have public meetings, publish agendas and minutes, and consult on issues affecting communities to be set out clearly in legislation.
• Three dedicated Maori seats as per the recommendation of the Royal Commission.
We look forward to your response.
Yours sincerely
Mels Barton on behalf of
Our Auckland and all Aucklanders
OUR AUCKLAND DELIVERS OPEN LETTER TO GOVERNMENT
PRESS RELEASE
Embargoed until 6am Friday 28 May 2010
The Our Auckland coalition and supporters will be protesting outside the offices of National MPs Paula Bennett and Nikki Kaye today.
The group will deliver an Open Letter to the Government describing the views expressed by Aucklanders during the recent referendum that attracted over 9,000 votes.
The letter also describes the changes that Our Auckland would like to see incorporated into the Third Supercity Bill before it is passed.
Our Auckland spokesperson Mels Barton says it is the last chance for the Government to listen to the voices of Aucklanders.
“The messages we received via the referendum were really clear and the changes to the Bill proposed by the Select Committee just don’t go far enough to deliver the type of city that Aucklanders want.”
“We want a future for Auckland that everyone can support and move forward with together, not something that is divisive and elitist, with all the power vested in the few. We want a democratic Auckland, not a corporate one, and we hope the Government is listening.”
Embargoed until 6am Friday 28 May 2010
The Our Auckland coalition and supporters will be protesting outside the offices of National MPs Paula Bennett and Nikki Kaye today.
The group will deliver an Open Letter to the Government describing the views expressed by Aucklanders during the recent referendum that attracted over 9,000 votes.
The letter also describes the changes that Our Auckland would like to see incorporated into the Third Supercity Bill before it is passed.
Our Auckland spokesperson Mels Barton says it is the last chance for the Government to listen to the voices of Aucklanders.
“The messages we received via the referendum were really clear and the changes to the Bill proposed by the Select Committee just don’t go far enough to deliver the type of city that Aucklanders want.”
“We want a future for Auckland that everyone can support and move forward with together, not something that is divisive and elitist, with all the power vested in the few. We want a democratic Auckland, not a corporate one, and we hope the Government is listening.”
Tuesday, May 25, 2010
BE PART OF THE DEBATE ON OUR AUCKLAND
PRESS RELEASE
For immediate release: Wednesday 26 May 2010
The Our Auckland coalition is calling on Aucklanders to take part in the debate on the third and final Super City Bill, due to begin on Thursday May 28.
The group has published the phone numbers of all the Auckland Government MPs on its website at www.ourauckland.org.nz and is suggesting people contact them to let them know their views on the key aspects of the Bill.
“The Government has said they are listening to the views of Aucklanders, but we think the proposed changes are just tinkering around the edges, and a corporate city will still be the result instead of the democratic one that people have clearly said they want,” says spokesperson Mels Barton.
“Perhaps if the MPs actually hear from their constituents they will realise how important it is to deliver a city that is democratically accountable to the ratepayers and voters, and not one that is driven by big business interests. So we’re encouraging everyone in Auckland to pick up the phone, call their MP and tell them what they do and don’t want for their city.”
For immediate release: Wednesday 26 May 2010
The Our Auckland coalition is calling on Aucklanders to take part in the debate on the third and final Super City Bill, due to begin on Thursday May 28.
The group has published the phone numbers of all the Auckland Government MPs on its website at www.ourauckland.org.nz and is suggesting people contact them to let them know their views on the key aspects of the Bill.
“The Government has said they are listening to the views of Aucklanders, but we think the proposed changes are just tinkering around the edges, and a corporate city will still be the result instead of the democratic one that people have clearly said they want,” says spokesperson Mels Barton.
“Perhaps if the MPs actually hear from their constituents they will realise how important it is to deliver a city that is democratically accountable to the ratepayers and voters, and not one that is driven by big business interests. So we’re encouraging everyone in Auckland to pick up the phone, call their MP and tell them what they do and don’t want for their city.”
Monday, May 24, 2010
TINKERING NOT ENOUGH FOR OUR AUCKLAND
PRESS RELEASE
For immediate release – Tuesday 25 May 2010
TINKERING NOT ENOUGH FOR OUR AUCKLAND
The Government Select Committee has reported back on its recommendations for the 3rd Bill on Auckland Governance to set up the Super City. Some minor changes to the legislation have been proposed, but they do not go far enough for the regionwide coalition Our Auckland.
Spokesperson Mels Barton says the proposals are a step in the right direction, but it is too little, too late to satisfy Aucklanders that the Government is listening to them.
“Clearly the Government is surprised at the level of opposition to their proposals, so they have tried to soften the blow slightly, but they are still appointing the Boards of 7 CCOs to run basic services before the Council is elected, and that is just wrong.”
“The Mayor and Council should be deciding which CCOs they need and who should be on the Boards to fit their vision for Auckland’s future – this is the basis upon which they will be elected and they need to be allowed to deliver it. Spending the first few months sacking Board members and reappointing them is not a positive start to a new regime.”
There is still no certainty for the role of Local Boards in the proposals, with the Transition Agency planning to release yet another report closer to the elections. Mels Barton says this is far too late.
“How can people decide whether to stand for their Local Board if they don’t know the size of the job, what it will entail, whether it is full or part-time, or what they will get paid? The Government promised the roles of the Local Boards would be contained in the legislation and they have totally failed to deliver. Prospective candidates need this information now.”
“I think it shows their lack of understanding of Local Government and what will be needed at the coalface, as well as their desire to see as much power vested in the CCOs as possible. Local democracy is inefficient, it’s much quicker to get the select few to make all the decisions; the problem is they’re not the ones living with, or paying for the consequences.”
Other issues that Aucklanders have overwhelmingly expressed concern about have also been ignored in this report:
• The vesting of assets in CCOs and no referendum before they can be sold;
• Removing the right of Aucklanders to determine their participation in the reorganisation until after 2013, especially for those in Rodney, Franklin and Papakura;
• Removing the right for Aucklanders to decide to use MMP rather than First Past the Post to elect their representatives;
• No permanent Pacific and Ethnic advisory panels;
• No Maori seats, just a toothless advisory board;
• No representation for Youth
Mels Barton also does not trust the reassurances in the report that water will not be privatised, which can still happen after 2015.
“It seems a bit rich to be promising that water will not be privatised when at the same time another Bill is being introduced that will enable contracts for the operation of water services to be let to private companies for 35 years. Aucklanders are not stupid and the Government is undermining its standing in Auckland by lying to us. The public ownership of water is something that everyone supports because it is essential to the future health of our communities.”
For immediate release – Tuesday 25 May 2010
TINKERING NOT ENOUGH FOR OUR AUCKLAND
The Government Select Committee has reported back on its recommendations for the 3rd Bill on Auckland Governance to set up the Super City. Some minor changes to the legislation have been proposed, but they do not go far enough for the regionwide coalition Our Auckland.
Spokesperson Mels Barton says the proposals are a step in the right direction, but it is too little, too late to satisfy Aucklanders that the Government is listening to them.
“Clearly the Government is surprised at the level of opposition to their proposals, so they have tried to soften the blow slightly, but they are still appointing the Boards of 7 CCOs to run basic services before the Council is elected, and that is just wrong.”
“The Mayor and Council should be deciding which CCOs they need and who should be on the Boards to fit their vision for Auckland’s future – this is the basis upon which they will be elected and they need to be allowed to deliver it. Spending the first few months sacking Board members and reappointing them is not a positive start to a new regime.”
There is still no certainty for the role of Local Boards in the proposals, with the Transition Agency planning to release yet another report closer to the elections. Mels Barton says this is far too late.
“How can people decide whether to stand for their Local Board if they don’t know the size of the job, what it will entail, whether it is full or part-time, or what they will get paid? The Government promised the roles of the Local Boards would be contained in the legislation and they have totally failed to deliver. Prospective candidates need this information now.”
“I think it shows their lack of understanding of Local Government and what will be needed at the coalface, as well as their desire to see as much power vested in the CCOs as possible. Local democracy is inefficient, it’s much quicker to get the select few to make all the decisions; the problem is they’re not the ones living with, or paying for the consequences.”
Other issues that Aucklanders have overwhelmingly expressed concern about have also been ignored in this report:
• The vesting of assets in CCOs and no referendum before they can be sold;
• Removing the right of Aucklanders to determine their participation in the reorganisation until after 2013, especially for those in Rodney, Franklin and Papakura;
• Removing the right for Aucklanders to decide to use MMP rather than First Past the Post to elect their representatives;
• No permanent Pacific and Ethnic advisory panels;
• No Maori seats, just a toothless advisory board;
• No representation for Youth
Mels Barton also does not trust the reassurances in the report that water will not be privatised, which can still happen after 2015.
“It seems a bit rich to be promising that water will not be privatised when at the same time another Bill is being introduced that will enable contracts for the operation of water services to be let to private companies for 35 years. Aucklanders are not stupid and the Government is undermining its standing in Auckland by lying to us. The public ownership of water is something that everyone supports because it is essential to the future health of our communities.”
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