Protest called as National continue to ignore Auckland

"This Government just isn’t listening to Aucklanders when it comes to the future of our democracy. The Governments reluctance to protect Auckland assets, coupled with its refusal to grant Local Boards any real powers has come to a head, says Labour MP, Carol Beaumont

Today, Labour and Green MPs are taking the unusual step of asking Aucklanders to join a protest against a select committee considering the Auckland Super City Bill.

“The Government is failing to address big fears many Aucklanders have about the Super City: one of them is that it might lead to the privatisation of their assets”, says Beaumont

“I am disappointed that my private Members Bill, the Local Government (Protection of Auckland Assets) Amendment Bill, which builds on Phil Twyford’s 'notyourstosell' campaign, is not currently being debated in Parliament, but the issue around privatisation of Auckland assets is still under debate on the streets, and in the communities of Auckland City. A huge number of submitters to the Select Committee are also expressing their opposition to privatisation and corporatisation.

“My Members Bill protects Auckland’s local authority assets by requiring a referendum under the Local Government Electoral Act 2001 before sale or privatisation.

The Government’s Super City wraps up $28 billion worth of Auckland assets under one organisation, instead of eight councils, making privatisation that much easier were it to be attempted. We know that business has a keen interest in getting hold of these assets – but we also know that Aucklanders reject the idea.

We have already heard that Aucklanders overwhelmingly oppose the sale of their assets, with 85 per cent of Aucklanders opposing the selling of water supply assets to private companies, 82 per cent opposing the of selling assets such as parks, libraries, and recreation/ entertainment facilities and 78 per cent opposing the sale of transport assets such as the port and airport to private companies.

And even more recent poll found that almost two-thirds of Aucklanders feel they have been ignored, while almost 71 per cent thought the changes have been rushed

“I encourage Aucklanders to join in our protest – and to let the National Government know they need to listen to Aucklanders.

ENDS

2 March 2010 Media Advisory

Protest calls for Government to listen to Auckland

Labour MP Phil Twyford says he is calling on Aucklanders to join a protest against a select committee he sits on.

Twyford is a member of the parliamentary committee currently hearing submissions on the third super city bill. Labour and Green MPs on the committee are backing a lunch time demonstration today against the Government's super city plans. "This Government just isn’t listening to Aucklanders when it comes to the future of our democracy,” Phil Twyford said.

Where: Outside the Quality Hotel Barrycourt, 20 Gladstone Rd, Parnell, Auckland

When: Today, 2 March 2010, 12 - 2pm

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