Government Calls for Submissions on Auckland Governance Bill

People wanting to have their say on the new Auckland Super City have until June 26 to do so. The Government has called for public submissions on the Local Government (Auckland Council) Bill.
The bill provides for the governance structure of the new Auckland (Super City) Council and provides powers for the Local Government Commission to determine:
- the names and boundaries of the wards and local boards
- the number of local boards and number of members, and
- the boundaries of the Auckland Council.

It also proposes amendments to legislation to allow the Auckland Transition Agency to approve a process for, and oversee, the planning and management of the integration of Auckland's water supply and wastewater services by Watercare Services Limited.
The bill is an opportunity for Rodney residents to make a submission on the above issues and also express their views on whether Rodney should be included in Auckland Region and become part of the Super City or be excluded from it.

Rodney Mayor Penny Webster says it is vital that residents let the Select Committee know their views on whether Rodney should be part of the Super City.
“Over the past few months many people have been saying to me that they don’t feel that Rodney’s interests will be well represented by one Councillor in a Super City.”
“The governance of Rodney is one of the most important issues affecting our community. Now is the time to let the Select Committee know your views. In a few months they will be making recommendations on Rodney’s future.”

To view a copy of the bill visit www.parliament.nz. Submissions on the bill can be made by emailing AGL@parliament.govt.nz or by posting 2 copies of your submission to the following address:
Committee Secretariat
Auckland Governance Legislation
Parliament Buildings
Wellington.

People wishing to appear before the committee to speak on their submissions should state this clearly and provide an email address and daytime telephone contact number.

Submissions close on Friday 26 June 2009.