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A Northern Action Group (NAG) appeal to overturn a Local Government Commission (LGC) decision on the future of North Rodney was heard in the Wellington High Court earlier this month.
NAG is contesting an LGC decision not to allow North Rodney to separate from the Auckland Supercity.
NAG alleges the commission failed to properly consult with the community, failed to properly consider a proven “community empowerment model” proposed by NAG, and refused to consider a financial report prepared by private consultants, which showed that a North Rodney Unitary Council was not only viable but had the potential to enable the area to thrive.
Barrister James Gardner-Hopkins supported the NAG arguments with numerous examples from case law.
Justice Christine Grice deferred her decision on the case, saying there was a lot to consider – indicating a final decision could be some time away.
If NAG succeeds, then it’s possible the LGC will be directed to reconsider NAG’s application for an independent North Rodney, a process which previously took more than two years.
However, if this were to happen NAG chair Bill Townson admits the LGC might well come to exactly the same decision – to keep North Rodney within the Supercity – but by a different route.
