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Auckland's CBD - Source: ONE News -
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Auckland's mayors are holding a crisis meeting over the
government's controversial super city plan.
The discussion on Wednesday is their last chance to work out a
consensus approach before they meet with Local Government Minister
Rodney Hide on Thursday.
The mayors have stopped trading insults to try to reach an
agreement on how to make the proposed super city more
democratic.
Under the proposal, the existing seven councils will be replaced by one city council under a lord mayor.
Over Easter, Auckland City Mayor John Banks mistakenly sent
North Shore Mayor Andrew Williams a text saying he was a
lunatic.
Williams then replied calling Banks a "lone sheep".
The region's mayors, with the exception of Banks, are unhappy
about the government's decision to reject the Royal Commission's
suggestion to have six local councils under the super city
council.
Maori leaders pack meeting house
Meanwhile, Maori Affairs Minister Pita Sharples organised a meeting
at Orakei on Wednesday to discuss concerns about the lack of Maori
representation in the super city plan.
There are no guaranteed Maori seats on the super city
council.
Sharples and says it's important that Maori is represented at the
decision making level of the council.
The government rejected the recommendation that Maori have three
seats on the council, saying the council could establish the
positions itself if there was community support.
Maori are angry the recommendation was not being followed and say it breaches Treaty commitments.
Pita Sharples says the Orakei Marae meeting house overflowed as more than 200 Auckland Maori and tribal leaders gathered.
"The house was full they couldn't fit them all in, there were people outside," he says.
"It was a good hui and we discussed our displeasure (at the removal) of Maori seats and the reasons why they should be on there."
"It had to happen because people are pretty upset and Maori see as applicable not just to Auckland, but to the whole of New Zealand."
The Maori Party has said that the disagreement over the seats has not hurt its relationship with the National Government.
Add a Comment:
Post new commentloge06 said on 2009-04-08 @ 05:50 NZDT: Report abusive post
The reason for the mayor having so much power is understandable, people are crying out for more power but unfortunately we all know that can lead to no progress because instead of one person or body making firm decisions, we may end up with 20-30 councils arguing and delaying any progress because of too many ideas, thoughts & opinions. Its a fine line really.
loge06 said on 2009-04-08 @ 05:47 NZDT: Report abusive post
If I was Maori, I'd rally support against the supercity and do a protest march, It sounds like they will have a lot of support to stand up against the supercity & the omission of the 3 Maori councils. I'm not too fussed whether we stay as it is or become a supercity as long as it is done right and with the benefit of ALL in mind...but when has that ever been the case behind politically motivated developments? NEVER!!!
loge06 said on 2009-04-08 @ 05:43 NZDT: Report abusive post
ha ha ha those who were stupid enough to vote for National are now seeing their true racist colours. I feel sorry for Maori, it is their country we live in and they should have a stronger voice. Instead they have been truly shafted by John Key & John Banks who I'm sure fears the Maori vote. I hope someone else stands up to be mayor of the supercity if it goes ahead, somebody who understands the "underdog" not some rich, greedy arrogant person.
K8S said on 2009-04-07 @ 16:34 NZDT: Report abusive post
Much better than 6 local councils. Still too much power to the mayor - ould be better to have figurehead to look good. Still too many councillors elected at large: less advantaged areas stand fewer candidates and fewer of them vote, so the already advantaged areas get too much power. Waterfront panel better than ward.
maryteatowel said on 2009-04-06 @ 20:43 NZDT: Report abusive post
Well I have huge reservations about the whole concept...my gravel, unsealed road with three one lane bridges is a far cry from Queen St and has totally different requirements