Governing Body swears in new councillor and agrees to push for fireworks ban

At today’s Governing Body meeting, Josephine Bartley was officially sworn in by Mayor Phil Goff as the Auckland councillor for the Maungakiekie-Tāmaki ward and the first Pasifika woman elected to Auckland Council.

The Governing Body also decided to request the Government to ban the sale of fireworks to the general public and end their private use following public feedback on the issue as part of the consultation on the council’s review of the Public Safety and Nuisance Bylaw.

The meeting opened with a ceremony marking Councillor Bartley’s swearing-in attended by family and local community members. In her maiden speech Councillor Bartley spoke of the importance of the community, environment and supporting young people and the council’s role in helping communities to ‘do well, live well and be well’.

Mayor Phil Goff welcomed Councillor Bartley and congratulated her in becoming the newest member of Auckland Council highlighting her community work and heritage.

“I have had the privilege of knowing Josephine for many years; she is well grounded in local government, has a law degree and has dedicated her career to community service which shows her commitment and devotion to her local community.

“The Samoan and Chinese heritage that she brings is also very important and is something we celebrate as contributing to the increasing diversity of our Governing Body.”

A copy of Councillor Bartley’s maiden speech will be attached to the meeting minutes and is available on demand video here.

The following is a digest of decisions made. The agenda is available on Auckland Council’s website and minutes will be added once confirmed. This meeting was alsowebcast on the council’s website and items are available on demand.

Items 1-9 were administrative items except for Public Input (Item 6) summarised below.

Dr Sarah Zito from SPCA New Zealand addressed the Governing Body regarding the sale and private use of fireworks under Public Input.

Penny Bright spoke regarding the review of the elected members Code of Conduct.

Item 10: Notice of Motion – Ban the Sale of Fireworks to the General Public
As outlined above, the Governing Body voted unanimously to request the Government to introduce legislation to ban the sale of fireworks to the general public and end their private use.

This will follow public feedback on the issue as part of the consultation on the review of the Public Safety and Nuisance Bylaw scheduled for August 2018.

Mayor Goff spoke in support of the decision saying the issue needs to be looked at thoroughly and most importantly the council needs to go and find out what Aucklanders think which will help make the case to the Government.

This follows the notice of motion from Councillor Cathy Casey, seconded by Councillor Fa’anana Efeso Collins. A copy of the notice of motion is attached to the Governing Body agenda.

Item 11: Budget to conduct by-elections
An additional operating budget of $174,000 in the 2017/2018 financial year was approved for two by-elections to fill vacancies on the Maungakiekie-Tāmaki Local Board and the Waitakere Ranges Local Board.

Under the Local Electoral Act 2001 by-elections must be held to fill vacancies following Josephine Bartley’s election as Maungakiekie-Tāmaki ward councillor and the passing of Waitakere Ranges Local Board member Denise Yates on 23 January 2018.

An additional by-election will be held to fill the vacancy on the Birkenhead Licensing Trust left after President William (Bill) Plunkett passed away on 11 February 2018. Auckland Council must conduct this election on behalf of the Licensing Trust but it will recover all the costs of this election.

Nominations will open on 28 February 2018 until 28 March with the close of voting scheduled for noon, Thursday 24 May 2018.

Item 12: Submission on Ngāi Tai ki Tāmaki Claims Settlement Bill
The Governing Body was updated on the decision that was made under Governing Body delegation in January to approve Auckland Council’s submission to the Māori Affairs Committee on the Ngāi Tai ki Tāmaki Claims Settlement Bill.

The report and the submission are available on the Governing Body agenda.

Item 13: Process for the review of the Elected Members’ Code of Conduct
The process for reviewing the Elected Members’ Code of Conduct was approved by the Governing Body.

The Code of Conduct, first adopted in 2010 and amended in 2013, will be reviewed to identify improvements, including looking at clearer complaint, investigation and resolution processes. The review will be completed by 31 July 2018.

Item 14: Mutukaroa Trust – nomination for vacancy
Councillor Josephine Bartley was appointed by the Governing Body to the Mutukaroa (Hamlins Hill) Management Trust, to fill the vacancy created by the resignation of former councillor Denise Lee.

The role of the trust includes maintaining oversight of the Mutukaroa - Hamlins Hill Park land leased from the Crown and, in turn, subleased to Auckland Council for use as a regional park.

ENDS

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