Su’a William Sio
MP for Mangere

20 April 2009 Media Statement
MP Calls on Minister of Local Government to Slow Down

Labour’s Mangere MP, Su’a William Sio says that if the Minister of Local Government believes local democracy is important then he needs to stop and listen to local communities and not be so gunho about pushing legislative changes through so quickly.

“I’m calling on the Minister to slow down and give the community the chance to take in what’s about to happen to them.”

“The Minister’s so eager to rush his Government’s Super City proposal that it’s conjuring up images of a lion with fangs & claws drawn… dripping saliva, and rushing off to pounce on the helpless masses.”

“Just because the National Government has the numbers to ram legislation through is no excuse for them to behave like we live in a jungle.”

Mr Sio says the Auckland Governance issue is the most significant political issue that faces local communities throughout the Auckland region and a responsible Minister would want to make sure that everyone is given the opportunity to first understand the impact of the proposal, and secondly to allow people the opportunity to have their say.

“As I move around the neighbourhood I get the distinct impression that a lot of people are not aware of what the National Government is proposing to do, and what impact this will have on their lives”, says Su’a William Sio.

“My sense is that our local communities need time to think over what the Super City proposal all means.”

“One of the big questions people are mulling over is what will the Super City mean for rates and other charges.”

“There is definitely a lot that people will need to consider and the National Government needs to give people time to soak it all in.”
“I’ll be distributing a ‘one minute referendum’ next week to get a better gauge of how people feel about the National Government’s Super City proposal.”

I’ll also be working with other civic leaders to encourage people to make submissions on how they feel about the proposed changes.

ENDS

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