Debate over bounday change

The northern boundary of the Supercity is a “done deal”, according to Northland MP John Carter.

Commenting on the resolution passed at the Wellsford meeting, Mr Carter said the Government had made its decision to accept the Auckland Regional Council boundaries as the new Supercity boundary and that wasn’t going to change.

He said although the Local Government Commission (LGC) had been given the authority to tinker with the southern boundary, it had no authority to change the northern.

He encouraged the people of Wellsford to engage with the LGC on the two issues that were now crucial – wards and local boards.

“Wellsford needs to make sure that the rural nature of north Rodney is recognised in the ward structure so that it can express their views,” he said.

“They also need to work with Warkworth on the issue of the local board. The LGC will determine the board boundaries, but it will be the Auckland Transition Authority that will determine the functions and budgets for the boards. Once that process is complete, it can’t be changed by the new unitary authority without consultation.

“It is very important for Wellsford and other rural communities in Rodney to participate in this process so that significant issues that are important to them, such as the Wellsford Library, are addressed.”

Mr carter said he would strongly encourage the Wellsford community to take a positive approach to the LGC process.