Phil Twyford
Auckland Issues Spokesperson

25 March 2010 Media statement
Corporate appointment will fuel suspicions

“The Government’s appointment of liquor boss Doug McKay as CEO of the Auckland Transition Agency will reinforce Aucklanders' fears about the corporatisation of local democracy”, says Labour’s Auckland Issues spokesperson, Phil Twyford.

“While there is no doubt Mr. McKay is highly experienced as a corporate CEO, there is a question as to whether or not he has the right kind of experience for this job.

"He has admitted an absence of local government, public sector or political experience – experience I would have thought vital to the job of setting up the new super city.

"Given the concerns of Aucklanders that the Minister is undermining democracy, this was an opportunity for the Minister to reassure Aucklanders of his priorities. He has done so - unfortunately confirming the corporate focus for the Super City.

"This Government is planning to run our country's biggest city like a company. But Auckland is not a private firm. It is a collection of communities. The sooner Mr. Hide realizes this, the better off Aucklanders will be“, says Phil Twyford.

ENDS

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