-
Source: ONE News -
Watch Video
-
Related
A plan to carve off about a quarter of Auckland and put it in Kaipara and Northland has alarmed the Auckland Regional Council.
The ARC says it has seen leaked information that reveals regions north of Waiwera will not be included within the Auckland super city boundaries.
Prime Minister John Key on Tuesday said decisions had been made about Auckland's boundaries, but he will not confirm rumours that the Rodney District will be split in two.
Key says Cabinet considered boundary changes "about a week or so ago" and there are "a number of other factors" being considered.
"I wouldn't jump to conclusions yet. You'll need to wait and see the final proposal," he says.
ARC chairman Mike Lee is calling on the government to come clean.
He is clear about his opinion over the boundary changes.
"We are opposed to one inch of greater Auckland being carved off, unless there was a good reason and there is no good reason," he says.
"This comes as a complete surprise. There has been no consultation and it raises questions whether the government is acting in good faith."
Lee says the government had the opportunity for consultation during recent select committee deliberations on the Auckland super city bill but chose not to.
"To me, this smacks of political patronage and deals being done behind closed doors, when I thought the government assured us of transparency around decisions to do with the super city."
The plan has also shocked Rodney's mayor Penny Webster.
"They need to take a deep breath if this is what they're proposing. Just look at the economics, the practical economics of it ... it won't work," she says.
"All it is going to do is to deliver to the people of northern Rodney an uneconomic entity," she says.
Kaipara mayor Neil Tiller also says his council's preferred option is the status quo.
A spokeswoman for Local Government Minister Rodney Hide says it is up to the Auckland Governance Legislation Select Committee to make a recommendation on the boundary change.
The committee will table a report with its recommendations in parliament on September 4.
How do you feel about regions north of Waiwera not being included within the Auckland super city boundaries? Share your opinion on our message board below:
Add a Comment:
Post new commentnzealnader said on 2009-09-17 @ 19:25 NZDT: Report abusive post
We are Chinese community and our population is growing up every year. We would like to be in the super city council too. Why just Maori? We can help to deal with the big and small issues too. We would like to make Auckland more happy and modern. Kind regards
hene11 said on 2009-09-14 @ 22:59 NZDT: Report abusive post
The decision not to split Rodney was based on a meeting held on Saturday. The majority in attendance were people who permanently reside in Auckland and own holiday home in Omaha. That's Auckland for you.
drummer47 said on 2009-09-14 @ 17:44 NZDT: Report abusive post
So the Maori Party are willing to support National over the ETS for some small concessions for Maori but are now willing to tackle National on the issue of Maori representation in Auckland. Shame on the Maori party leaders for letting people down.
balancedue said on 2009-08-26 @ 18:53 NZDT: Report abusive post
This is racist. Why should we give seats in a council based purely on skin colour, not on what the entire population thinks? You so politically correct you are now politically incorrect.