by frog
“The Auckland Transition Agency (ATA) is taking the “local” out of local government.”
“The ATA released a discussion document about local boards, but with no detail about their roles and responsibilities.”
“All we have heard today are abstract, ‘in principle’ statements, with far too little substance. This is totally unacceptable only months before nominations … open.”
Please compare and contrast to what Rodney Hide says:
“The document shows how we put the local back into local government. It sets out the decision making powers, roles and responsibilities of the local boards in the new Auckland council structure and seeks public feedback.”
You better watch out for the Rodney that ate Auckland, if he's still hungry the whole country's doomed.
“They are also a new entity in local government. They are not community boards. They are more significant and will operate independently of the Mayor and Auckland Councillors.”
David’s press release was out a full twenty minutes before Rodney’s. What is going on—did they see our release and decide to tackle it head on?
And notice how Mr Hide isn’t very specific about how the local boards are going to do anything. I know, let’s just wait and see. Why not!
Speaking of “why not”, let’s have a look at what the ATA had to say.
“Grant Taylor, local government advisor with the Auckland Transition Agency (ATA), said the agency … was proposing to allocate significant responsibilities to local boards.”
“The boards will reflect the distinct characteristics and needs of their communities in a wide range of non-regulatory areas. Mr Taylor said: “In allocating these activities instead of asking ‘why should local boards undertake this work?’ we asked the question ‘why not’.”
But perhaps Phil Twyford can see why not:
“They will be able only to “propose” local by-laws to the super council, and “give input” to regional by-laws and plans. They won’t be able to hire staff, own property or have any legal status.”
“The Government says local boards will have the power to shift park furniture around, and allocate the graffiti budget. This is the new face of local democracy.”
Back to David:
“Perhaps the prefix ‘local’ should be dropped from Mr Hide’s ministerial warrant.”
“The presentation today is a continuation of a process that has been rushed. It’s not democratic. It can’t deliver good law and it’s not honest politics.”
Come on Rodney, we want certainty in what is happening. Not vagaries. We need information. We need a strong community voice that is backed up by the power and resources to action the demands of the people.
Published in Justice & Democracy | THE ISSUES by frog on Fri, February 26th, 2010
on the trolls and those who are unable to keep on topic
*ahem* – vagaries? vagueries? vague-eries?
as much as I love neologisms, that one has me stumped….
Like or Dislike:
0 
1 (-1)
Wow. That’ll teach me for trying to get out of work before 5 on a Friday and not spellchecking!
Also I’ve inserted a link onto the text of the picture for all of you who don’t get my obscure references.
Like or Dislike:
1 
0 (+1)
Been taking language lessons from John (Afghanistanian textes) Key frog?
Like or Dislike:
1 
0 (+1)
Disgraceful, if the third bill is not seriously amended I WILL be looking for other opportunities around NZ and Aus…
Like or Dislike:
1 
0 (+1)
http://werewolf.co.nz/2010/03/from-the-hood-5/
Lyndon Hood’s humour is well on-form this month. A little light relief for those stuck with living in the area.
Like or Dislike:
0 
0 (0)