New Zealand continues to go through difficult and unprecedented times with the outbreak of the delta variant. I know many of our people in Rodney may be feeling overwhelmed at the moment.
In addition, many families in the Kumeu area have the additional pressure of having had to deal with the aftermath of flooding.
If you are at all feeling overcome by these developments and you need help, advice or reassurance, please contact me directly on my mobile number 021 285 9900.
I am not happy with how Central government is overriding Auckland Council and it’s ratepayers by not allowing consultation on important matters. “This is unconstitutional” says Cr Greg Sayers.
I would like to bring your attention to a growing concern around the lack of public consultation with Aucklanders regarding major changes impacting Auckland Council and its ratepayers.
The first is the government’s proposal to radically change Auckland Council’s ownership of its drinking, wastsewater and storm water services - called the “Three Waters Reform”.
The “Three Waters Reform” proposes amalgamating all of Auckland’s water services with the Far North, Whangarei and Kaipara District Councils (all of Northland) to create a new regional corporation which will take over all of the water services.
It is concerning the government is not seeking public consultation with Aucklanders. Auckland Council is being asked if it wishes to “opt in” or “opt-out”. This lacks open and democratic processes, weakening transparency by ultimately circumnavigating the ratepayers who have paid for, and own, all of Auckland’s water infrastructure.
Surreptitiously, the government has retained the right to make this amalgamation compulsory, with the ability force the new water corporation on councils regardless of ‘opting in or out’.
It all seems to be bit of a sham – they can still strip Auckland of its water assets regardless of public sentiment.
The government has also created a rule banning a referendum on this proposal. This lack of engagement with Auckland’s residents and ratepayers is of great concern.
Another huge concern is the government’s announcement to force Auckland Council to remove a minimum numbers of off-street parking without any public consultation with residents and ratepayers by 20 February 2022 from its Unitary Plan.
This is unconstitutional – residents and ratepayers are being removed from having their say. This includes all townships and suburbs across the entire Auckland region. (i.e.: Warkworth, Matakana, Kumeu, and Riverhead)
The Government’s solution to leave it up to developers to provide off-street parking - essentially means the provision of parking is now market-led by entrepreneurs, not by Council rules.
Aucklanders already have a glimpse into the future of what will happen to our public streets. Have you seen the width of the roads in new suburbs like Millwater or Milldale north of Auckland?
Imagine the houses having no off-street parking. Developers make more money from adding another bedroom than providing off-street parking and garaging.
