Rodney Mayor Supports Petitioners Move to Be Left Out of Super City

Rodney mayor Penny Webster says she is fully behind the moves of the Northern Action Group (NAG) who will present a petition to Parliament this week – signed by more than 6000 people in the region – to be left out of the new Auckland Council.

“It is an important and vital aspect of any democracy that people feel they are able to lobby Parliament and have their concerns listened to by MPs and Ministers,” Mrs Webster explained.

“Unfortunately, people in the northern part of Rodney are nervous that their region will become a forgotten area when the new Auckland Council is formed. They believe their overwhelming desire to be left out of the new super city has been ignored by the politicians in Wellington”

Mrs Webster said the Northern Action Group (NAG) had worked extremely hard to gather the 6000 signatures and will present its petition to Speaker of the House and local Rodney MP Lockwood Smith, and Northland MP John Carter on the steps of Parliament on Wednesday (February 10) at 11 am. The petitioners are hoping that Local Government Minister Rodney Hide will also be present.

NAG wants the Government to consider a new council based on the Auckland Governance Select Committee recommendation that northern Rodney remain out of the super city and instead be merged with Kaipara District Council.

“I am right behind the people in northern Rodney demanding Wellington to listen to their concerns. They have a voice which they want to be heard and taken seriously,” Mayor Webster added.

“I would have joined the petitioners in Wellington myself, but unfortunately I have an important council meeting which I need to attend on Wednesday. However, Northern Ward Councillor June Turner will be travelling to Wellington to support the petitioners.

Mrs Webster says the Rodney District Council had now accepted that it will part of new Auckland Council and its staff are working hard to make this happen.

“However, this stance does not prevent me as mayor from ensuring that the concerns of constituents in Rodney District who do not wish to be part of this new council are aired and heard.”

Mrs Webster said she wished the petitioners well on their visit to Wellington.

ENDS

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