My Account
Democracy degraded
A number of people in the Mahurangi community are very disappointed that the Auckland Council “Have Your Say” events, where people can give their submissions face-to-face to Council about the Mayor’s 10-year budget, was removed from Warkworth and relocated to Wellsford – a distance too far for many to travel for various personal reasons. These events are organised by the Rodney Local Board. They explain that the reason for the move to Wellsford is to fairly spread the opportunity around the townships. With limited funding, they could only afford one such event in the north. Wellsford residents are delighted while some Mahurangi residents feel an abandonment of democracy. As your local Councillor, I am concerned about what I see as a slow degradation of democratic processes. For example, I forced a vote to retain the democratic practice of allowing any Aucklander to speak directly to the Mayor and Councillors about the proposed budget. This was voted down 10-9, removing the rights of the public to voice their opinion verbally to Councillors. The Mayor’s budget has high rate increases, which will not benefit Rodney, as well as a new fuel tax. The Rodney Local Board aims to lock Rodney into additional rate hikes of 6.4 per cent. This is on top of Council rate increases every year for the next decade. This is why people need the opportunity to voice their concerns. My concern is the continual contraction of local democracy and the centralisation of decision-making. My “Say it to Sayers” clinics gives anybody the opportunity to speak to me face-to-face. These are held every second Friday of the month at 1 Baxter Street, 10am-12pm. Alternatively, feel free to contact me at greg.sayers@aucklandcouncil.govt.nz or 021 285 9900.
Greg Sayers, Rodney Ward Councillor
