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Editorial opinion June 2009 Speak up now or forever.....
Democracy seems in some doubt in our current world; Ratepayers in Auckland
multi-cities, have little say in the government’s dictatorial decision to
revamp it all into a “Super City”.
One of the five physically merging cities, Rodney has a far greater land mass and a much smaller ‘head count’ than the others. Two big Wards, Northern and Western, are sparsely populated rural areas, serviced by small townships and with little use of city services. Residents in Puhoi (Northern Ward) attended a meeting called by the Puhoi Forum and spoke to a few who were able to attend on (a)the Wednesday evening 7pm meeting. It appeared that only one parent of children was able to attend. The rushed process leaves the younger generation -- those who will have to live with the consequences -- with no say unless they go on line and file a submission. The provision of a template simplifying information and an order that must be followed -- and the information is provided online here as it was for those attending the meeting.
Rodney Council 2IC, Mayor and two Northern Ward councillors attended, together
with a Ratepayer from the Western Ward.
The meeting was told that there were four possible outcomes when the Super City is finalised next year. A Rodney staff member and the Mayor sought support for making Rodney a “Unitary Authority” - staying intact and taking over from the to-be-defunct ARC responsibilities and rates -- which would see the speakers then able to retain their personal positions as well.
Local Body specialist, Larry Mitchell said he had completed an investigation
of Kaipara District -- a rural local body which bounds Rodney to the north --
where Ratepayer debt per head was far smaller than per Ratepayer in Rodney.
Because Northern and Western Wards comprise rural areas with small service
townships, they could be simply detached from Rodney Orewa and Hiibscus Coast
urban wards, and reattached to Kaipara.
The meeting voted to advise Puhoi Forum on its submission. Of around 40 present, almost everyone voted against being part of the Super City with some two thirds seeing RDC becoming a Unitary Authority as the way to achieve this, and some third wanting to merge the wards with Kaipara. The Unitary Authority was promoted strenuously by some on the basis that, if achieved, this would keep Puhoi out of the Super City. The Mayor and others told the meeting that “changing of boundaries” had government support. However, looking at the physical layout of Rodney it seems highly unlikely that the urban areas - which are already blended into the North Shore city -- will ‘escape’. If this acquisition is a fait accompli, then the ‘second choice” of joining Kaipara may seal the fate of Puhoi and the two Rural wards. With the fear of Rate increases reverberating around the hall, the old adage, “Be careful what you wish for - you may get it” -- more of RDC about whom there was so much dissatisfaction expressed. If you don’t lodge a submission you won't really have the right to complain. Use our Template and have your (albeit quick) say. -- PER Managing-Editor
NB: These matters may be on the thoughts of others . Do share your thoughts with us – with or without your name being published (but your identity must known to Editor).
Rural merger with Kaipara a positive move, says analyst VillagePRESS
Puhoi's Tourist site* www.puhoi.com Have you taken photos in Puhoi? - Please let us know Waiwera's Tourist site* www.waiwera-nz.com Have you taken photos in Waiwera? - Please let us know | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||