“Mayor Len Brown’s proposal to investigate the provision of free swimming pools across Auckland is a great idea and elected Councillors and Local Board Members should at the very least be open minded about the idea, rather than writing it off before a report has been produced”, says Julie Fairey, a Roskill Community Voice member of the Puketapapa Local Board.
“The Mayor’s policy on free pools was a centre-piece of his campaign and was widely understood by Aucklanders when they elected him to office. It is concerning that some Councillors are suggesting that the Mayor should not proceed with a proposal that he was elected to implement”, continues Fairey.
“Obviously the proposal needs to be carefully looked at first and that is why a feasibility study has been set up to look at the issues and the costs. Implementation of the policy will no doubt have some complexities, and it will cost. However, it is important that we invest in facilities that give our young people access to safe and healthy recreation opportunities”.
“Free universal provision of services like public libraries is a part of the landscape, and is part of living in a civilised community. There are comparable benefits in providing free access to public pools and we commend the Mayor for taking action on this issue”, concludes Fairey.
ENDS
Showing posts with label 2010 election. Show all posts
Showing posts with label 2010 election. Show all posts
Tuesday, 18 January 2011
Sunday, 31 October 2010
2010 Local Body election - final results
Final election results for all wards throughout the Auckland Council area can be found here.
The final results for the Puketapapa Local Board, which Roskill Community Voice contested in 2010 for the first time, were as follows:
The top six candidates were successful; in order of number of votes: Michael Wood (Roskill Community Voice), Nigel Turnbull (Citizens & Ratepayers), Julie Fairey (RCV), Richard Barter (C&R), Peter Muys (C&R), Ella Kumar (C&R).
Thursday, 14 October 2010
Central Leader on election result
Published in the Central Leader, print edition, Wednesday 13th October 2010.
Husband and wife win seats on local board
It's new beginnings all round for Michael Wood and Julie Fairey.
The husband and wife team have been voted on to the Puketapapa Local Board and have also just become parents again with the birth of their second child Daniel.
Mr Wood had run for election twice before but this was Ms Fairey's first foray into campaigning and the Mt Roskill couple is humbled by the win.
"I knew Michael would get in but it's been a bit of a surprise for me," Ms Fairey says.
"It's been exciting and the messages of support have been very touching..."Click through for the rest of the article, on Stuff.
Tuesday, 12 October 2010
Media Statement: Roskill Community Voice straight to work
"The election of two Roskill Community Voice candidates to the Puketapapa Local Board represents an historic shift away from C&R dominance in Mt Roskill. We intend to use our two Board positions to speak up loudly on behalf of our community", says newly elected Board member Michael Wood.
"Our ticket was formed just six months ago, so to win two positions on the Board is a real achievement, and a testament to the hard work of our whole team of candidates and supporters. We would also like to thank the people of Mt Roskill for putting their trust in us. We will work hard on the issues we were elected on", says newly elected Board member Julie Fairey
"First off the blocks we will be taking the fight up for the Monte Cecilia School community. We campaigned to take all lawful steps to stop the wasteful and shameful forced eviction of the school, and that is what we will now do. There is a new Council and a new Board and we are confident that a solution can be found that maintains the school on the site while meeting the objectives of other parties. We will be taking steps on this issue within a week", continues Wood
"We will be fighting hard on many other issues too, including the spread of unwanted bottle shops, improved access to early childhood education, and ensuring that our community gets a fair share of the Supercity cake", says Fairey
"We will be pro-active Board members who will actively campaign on the issues that matter. We will also be constructive where we can, and plan to discuss a number of matters with our C&R colleagues over the coming weeks. We want all residents to be actively engaged in the new Board and encourage them to contact us with any issues", concludes Wood.
ENDS
"Our ticket was formed just six months ago, so to win two positions on the Board is a real achievement, and a testament to the hard work of our whole team of candidates and supporters. We would also like to thank the people of Mt Roskill for putting their trust in us. We will work hard on the issues we were elected on", says newly elected Board member Julie Fairey
"First off the blocks we will be taking the fight up for the Monte Cecilia School community. We campaigned to take all lawful steps to stop the wasteful and shameful forced eviction of the school, and that is what we will now do. There is a new Council and a new Board and we are confident that a solution can be found that maintains the school on the site while meeting the objectives of other parties. We will be taking steps on this issue within a week", continues Wood
"We will be fighting hard on many other issues too, including the spread of unwanted bottle shops, improved access to early childhood education, and ensuring that our community gets a fair share of the Supercity cake", says Fairey
"We will be pro-active Board members who will actively campaign on the issues that matter. We will also be constructive where we can, and plan to discuss a number of matters with our C&R colleagues over the coming weeks. We want all residents to be actively engaged in the new Board and encourage them to contact us with any issues", concludes Wood.
ENDS
Friday, 1 October 2010
Michael and Lingappa on David Shearer's radio show
Picture from David Shearer's website.
Trying to get a link to the interview on the Planet FM 104.6 website, will update with a link if we can!
Thursday, 30 September 2010
Media Statement: Roskill Community Voice Supporting Residents Against Bottle Store
“We stand firmly behind the ‘Mt Roskill Against More Liquor’ group to oppose the establishment of the new bottle store on May Rd, and the further spread of off-license liquor outlets in Mt Roskill”, says Roskill Community Voice spokesperson Michael Wood.
“Roskill Community Voice has been concerned about this issue for a long time and we have made it one of our central campaign themes. Throughout the campaign we have warned that the current laissez faire rules are leading to a dangerous proliferation of liquor stores in Mt Roskill”, he continues.
“We are not anti-liquor, we just want reasonable controls in place so that we can keep our community safe. As it stands, we have a huge range of alcohol related problems in Mt Roskill, and yet another bottle shop will just add to the problem”
“We have had a number of calls from local residents and what is making them so angry about the May Rd bottle shop is that there has been no community consultation. The blame for that lies squarely at C&R’s door. In March of this year they block voted against proposals to better regulate off-license liquor stores. C&R voted against the community and to keep the free-market in liquor”
“We will actively support local residents in their fight against this particular store, and we will continue to campaign for our community to have a real say over liquor policy in our own backyard. In particular we will be making it a priority to push on with our call for a local liquor licensing trust that gives the community a direct say over liquor issues here in Mt Roskill”, concludes Wood.
ENDS
“Roskill Community Voice has been concerned about this issue for a long time and we have made it one of our central campaign themes. Throughout the campaign we have warned that the current laissez faire rules are leading to a dangerous proliferation of liquor stores in Mt Roskill”, he continues.
“We are not anti-liquor, we just want reasonable controls in place so that we can keep our community safe. As it stands, we have a huge range of alcohol related problems in Mt Roskill, and yet another bottle shop will just add to the problem”
“We have had a number of calls from local residents and what is making them so angry about the May Rd bottle shop is that there has been no community consultation. The blame for that lies squarely at C&R’s door. In March of this year they block voted against proposals to better regulate off-license liquor stores. C&R voted against the community and to keep the free-market in liquor”
“We will actively support local residents in their fight against this particular store, and we will continue to campaign for our community to have a real say over liquor policy in our own backyard. In particular we will be making it a priority to push on with our call for a local liquor licensing trust that gives the community a direct say over liquor issues here in Mt Roskill”, concludes Wood.
ENDS
Tuesday, 21 September 2010
Media Statement: Renewed call for return to liquor licensing trusts
"Yet another off-license liquor outlet opening in Mt Roskill is evidence that our call to re-introduce local liquor licensing trusts needs to be taken seriously", says Roskill Community Voice spokesperson Michael Wood. Roskill Community Voice is contesting the Puketapapa Local Board in the Supercity elections.
"Despite the fact that our community is struggling with a whole range of liquor-related problems, May Rd Liquor is being allowed to set up shop in a largely residential area. Local residents have contacted us to express their anger and concern", continues Wood.
"Residents, and Roskill Community Voice are angry that the community has not been consulted about this new bottle shop at all. The blame for that rests squarely with the current Auckland City Council, which specifically voted against local community consultation about off-licenses, four months ago.
"The current process freezes the local community out of having a say. Our proposal to re-establish local liquor licensing trusts would change that. Local communities would be able to elect representatives to manage liquor distribution in the community and to set policies in line with the communitys wishes.
"Mt Roskill has had enough of the failed free-market in liquor policy. The costs in our community are too high. Roskill Community Voice will keep up the fight for a local liquor licensing trust and will make it a priority if elected," concludes Wood.
ENDS
"Despite the fact that our community is struggling with a whole range of liquor-related problems, May Rd Liquor is being allowed to set up shop in a largely residential area. Local residents have contacted us to express their anger and concern", continues Wood.
"Residents, and Roskill Community Voice are angry that the community has not been consulted about this new bottle shop at all. The blame for that rests squarely with the current Auckland City Council, which specifically voted against local community consultation about off-licenses, four months ago.
"The current process freezes the local community out of having a say. Our proposal to re-establish local liquor licensing trusts would change that. Local communities would be able to elect representatives to manage liquor distribution in the community and to set policies in line with the communitys wishes.
"Mt Roskill has had enough of the failed free-market in liquor policy. The costs in our community are too high. Roskill Community Voice will keep up the fight for a local liquor licensing trust and will make it a priority if elected," concludes Wood.
ENDS
Monday, 20 September 2010
ARC Chair acknowledges hard work of Garth Houltham advocating for rail
Extract from Mike Lee's speech at the opening of the Onehunga Train Line & Station, posted on his website September 19th 2010. Picture shows Mike (with plaque) with Campaign for Better Transport members, including Garth to the right of Mike (the one with the beard!)
...Over the summer of 2005/2006 CBT members led by Garth Houltham worked to gather over 8,000 signatures in support of reopening the line, mostly from local residents. Garth is now running for the local board on the Roskill Community Voice ticket.
His slogan is: “He’s Houltham, and he’s good for you!”
And I have say he’s proven that to be true.
Garth’s petition was formally presented to the ARC by Cam Pitches in 2006. However by that time operational responsibility for public transport had been placed in the hands of a new agency – ARTA. So I went along to the ARTA Board and presented the petition along with what I hoped was a rousing speech in support...
Picture and extract from Mike's website, click through for the whole article and more photos.
Tuesday, 14 September 2010
Herald on Albert-Eden-Roskill ward in 2010 election
Published in the Herald print edition, Tuesday September 14th 2010, including the following:
...The vast Albert-Eden-Roskill ward is facing dissection by two new powerful forces.Click through for the whole article.
They are not political forces, but transport corridors. The Waterview Connection and the proposed Dominion Rd upgrade both cut through the heart of the new ward, and are the biggest talking points heading into next month's election.
With one councillor to 75,000 people in Albert-Eden-Roskill, candidates for the two local boards (Puketapapa, Albert-Eden) say they will have councillor-like status if elected. The competition is stiff, with 42 candidates competing for 16 seats.
...Puketapapa, commonly known as Mt Roskill, is also Labour territory but has traditionally voted for Citizens and Ratepayers on the strength of the Hay family and their conservative Christian vote. The territory is no longer the Bible belt of Auckland, and C&R face a challenge from a new political ticket, Roskill Community Voice, aligned with City Vision.
Roskill Community Voice are challenging Citizens and Ratepayers on two controversial proposals - the removal of the Monte Cecilia School in Hillsborough and the proposed upgrade of Dominion Rd. The $30 million relocation of the Catholic school to create space around the Pah Homestead has been called a "shameful" waste of money by the group.
The council has also proposed to make Dominion Road a T2 highway, which would require the removal of parking spaces on the road. Businesses at the Mt Roskill end say it would ruin their trade.
Roskill Community Voice wanted an end to the "neglect" of Mt Roskill's shopping centre, which is in stark contrast to the Eden Village at the other end of Dominion Rd.
C&R felt the most important issues were giving a voice to the diverse communities in the Puketapapa region, and lifting young people out of unemployment...
Monday, 6 September 2010
Media Statement: Boards must take control of Dominion Rd shambles
“We are thrilled by C&R’s limp back down on their shambolic Dominion Rd proposal, but we are concerned by what will happen next”, says Michael Wood a spokesperson for Roskill Community Voice, a team contesting the Puketapapa Local Board.
“From the beginning C&R’s plan was a shambles. They purposely tried to force it through in a rushed timeframe to get it in place before the October elections. So flawed was the plan though, and so great was the resistance from local communities, that they had no choice but to back down”, continues Wood.
“The tragedy of the botched process is that it has obscured the fact that there are real issues on Dominion Rd. It is not pedestrian friendly, traffic is often heavily congested, public transport requires further improvements, and cyclists face real peril. We have always agreed that Dominion Rd needs changes, just not in the way that C&R proposed.”
“Following on from that undemocratic process, we are now really concerned that Auckland City is sending the issue to Auckland Transport, the new CCO that is run by unelected government appointees. What we really need is for the issue of Dominion Rd to come back to the communities of Dominion Rd.”
“Our position is that a new plan for Dominion Rd needs to be developed at the grassroots. A Roskill Community Voice Local Board will hold public hearings about the future of Dominion Rd, and we will include all of the stakeholders from the start. We did not accept C&R hijacking the development of this Auckland icon, and we will not accept an unaccountable CCO doing the same”, concludes Wood.
Ends
“From the beginning C&R’s plan was a shambles. They purposely tried to force it through in a rushed timeframe to get it in place before the October elections. So flawed was the plan though, and so great was the resistance from local communities, that they had no choice but to back down”, continues Wood.
“The tragedy of the botched process is that it has obscured the fact that there are real issues on Dominion Rd. It is not pedestrian friendly, traffic is often heavily congested, public transport requires further improvements, and cyclists face real peril. We have always agreed that Dominion Rd needs changes, just not in the way that C&R proposed.”
“Following on from that undemocratic process, we are now really concerned that Auckland City is sending the issue to Auckland Transport, the new CCO that is run by unelected government appointees. What we really need is for the issue of Dominion Rd to come back to the communities of Dominion Rd.”
“Our position is that a new plan for Dominion Rd needs to be developed at the grassroots. A Roskill Community Voice Local Board will hold public hearings about the future of Dominion Rd, and we will include all of the stakeholders from the start. We did not accept C&R hijacking the development of this Auckland icon, and we will not accept an unaccountable CCO doing the same”, concludes Wood.
Ends
Friday, 3 September 2010
Media Statement: Supercity an opportunity to end neglect of Manukau
“The signing of a new funding agreement for coastal restoration across Onehunga Bay is most welcome, but further steps are needed to end the neglect of the Manukau Harbour”, says Garth Houltham, a spokesperson for Roskill Community Voice, a ticket contesting the Puketapapa Local Board.
“With the removal of the sewerage ponds from Mangere, there is a real opportunity to revitalise the Manukau Harbour. The Supercity must be a catalyst for real action. If elected, the Roskill Community Voice team will work hard to improve access for our residents to the harbour, and for the ongoing revitalization of the Manukau”, he continues.
“For this to happen we need to push for the new Auckland City Council to recognize that Auckland has two harbours and that equal funding needs to be allocated to both. For too long the Manukau Harbour has come off second best to the Waitemata.”
“Mr Houltham said the establishment of the Auckland Waterfront Agency once more, will see huge amounts of ratepayers money being spent on the Waitemata. However within the new supercity 572,200 voters live in the nine local board areas that have Manukau Harbour foreshore. These voters and their communities deserve a fairer share of the cake”, he says
“A Roskill Community Voice Board will approach the other eight Local Boards, iwi and user groups to set in place a management plan to cover the entire harbour and it’s associated foreshore. We will develop a long term plan that covers beach management, restoration, mangrove control, navigation, passenger ferries, wharves, ferry car parking, haul out areas, all tide ramps, and marinas. We will end the neglect of the Manukau”, he concludes.
ENDS
“With the removal of the sewerage ponds from Mangere, there is a real opportunity to revitalise the Manukau Harbour. The Supercity must be a catalyst for real action. If elected, the Roskill Community Voice team will work hard to improve access for our residents to the harbour, and for the ongoing revitalization of the Manukau”, he continues.
“For this to happen we need to push for the new Auckland City Council to recognize that Auckland has two harbours and that equal funding needs to be allocated to both. For too long the Manukau Harbour has come off second best to the Waitemata.”
“Mr Houltham said the establishment of the Auckland Waterfront Agency once more, will see huge amounts of ratepayers money being spent on the Waitemata. However within the new supercity 572,200 voters live in the nine local board areas that have Manukau Harbour foreshore. These voters and their communities deserve a fairer share of the cake”, he says
“A Roskill Community Voice Board will approach the other eight Local Boards, iwi and user groups to set in place a management plan to cover the entire harbour and it’s associated foreshore. We will develop a long term plan that covers beach management, restoration, mangrove control, navigation, passenger ferries, wharves, ferry car parking, haul out areas, all tide ramps, and marinas. We will end the neglect of the Manukau”, he concludes.
ENDS
Wednesday, 1 September 2010
Youth photographic exhibition at Art Station
From the City Vision website:
Art Station held the opening of the youth arts project on 31 August. The photographic exhibition tells the story of the life in Wesley/Roskill through the lens of young people in the area. The photographs provide an insight into what it means to be a member of the Wesley and Mt Roskill community. The groups aim was to capture their own community as seen through their own eyes.
Mark William is a photographic artist and is pictured with next to his work, with Cr Glenda Fryer and Puketepapapa Local Board candidate for Roskill Community Voice Michael Wood. ... The exhibition runs from 1 -11 September at Art Station, 1 Ponsonby Road.
Tuesday, 31 August 2010
Media Statement: Bring back the Licensing Trusts
“It is time for alcohol in our community to be controlled by the community”, says Michael Wood a spokesperson for Roskill Community Voice, which is launching a policy to bring back community controlled liquor licensing trusts.
“Everyone is concerned about alcohol related problems in our community, but no one is taking decisive action. A big part of the problem is that local communities have very little say over alcohol issues in their own backyard”, continues Mr Wood.
“Licensing trusts are community controlled organisations that have authority to exercise control over liquor in a community. The people of the community elect and hold to account the elected trustees of the Trust. Any excess proceeds made by the Trust are put back into the community. This flow of funding could replace the money that is currently given to community groups by the scourge of pokies in our community”.
“Due to a law change in the 1990s, communities no longer have the right to establish licensing trusts. A Roskill Community Voice controlled Local Board will campaign for the re-establishment of modern Local Licensing Trusts where communities support them, and will seek the support of an MP to introduce legislation allowing for this. If successful we will go to the people of Mt Roskill to seek their approval for the establishment of a local trust”.
“The free market in liquor has failed, and it is time that local communities took some control back. Instead of looking for easy populist solutions like blaming young people for all of our liquor related problems, we need to give local communities the power to work out local solutions. We will be campaigning hard on this important policy”, concludes Mr Wood.
ENDS
“Everyone is concerned about alcohol related problems in our community, but no one is taking decisive action. A big part of the problem is that local communities have very little say over alcohol issues in their own backyard”, continues Mr Wood.
“Licensing trusts are community controlled organisations that have authority to exercise control over liquor in a community. The people of the community elect and hold to account the elected trustees of the Trust. Any excess proceeds made by the Trust are put back into the community. This flow of funding could replace the money that is currently given to community groups by the scourge of pokies in our community”.
“Due to a law change in the 1990s, communities no longer have the right to establish licensing trusts. A Roskill Community Voice controlled Local Board will campaign for the re-establishment of modern Local Licensing Trusts where communities support them, and will seek the support of an MP to introduce legislation allowing for this. If successful we will go to the people of Mt Roskill to seek their approval for the establishment of a local trust”.
“The free market in liquor has failed, and it is time that local communities took some control back. Instead of looking for easy populist solutions like blaming young people for all of our liquor related problems, we need to give local communities the power to work out local solutions. We will be campaigning hard on this important policy”, concludes Mr Wood.
ENDS
Monday, 16 August 2010
Media Statement: New survey shows Mt Roskill sick of being ignored
"A new survey reveals that Mt Roskill residents and shopkeepers are sick of their main shopping area being ignored", says Michael Wood a spokesperson for Roskill Community Voice, the new team contesting the Local Board elections in Puketapapa.
"Our survey shows that our run down shopping strip on Dominion Rd is in desperate need of attention. We have hit the street to survey local shopkeepers and shoppers, and their verdict is overwhelming. 73% say that the Council has not done enough to support the area, while 91% say that more people would shop on Dominion Rd if the area was improved," says Garth Houltham, another Roskill Community Voice candidate.
"Local shop keepers are also fuming about the C&R Councils plans to remove street parking. They are genuinely fearful that this move will kill their businesses. Roskill Community Voice is committing to stopping the process if elected, and going back to the drawing board with full public hearings on the Dominion Rd plans", continues Wood.
"All in all, local residents and businesses have had a gutsful of being ignored. We are a humble suburb, but we pay rates and we deserve some attention and support too. We want to see a proper precinct plan developed for Mt Roskill so that we can plan for a vibrant future that is good for business and local residents," continues Mr Houltham.
"Mt Roskill needs to be listened to, and we need some investment in our town centre. We need to support local businesses, and give the community a centre that it can be proud of. C&R have failed to deliver, and are now ramming through a poorly thought through plan. A new team is needed to give our community a voice", concludes Wood.
ENDS
"Our survey shows that our run down shopping strip on Dominion Rd is in desperate need of attention. We have hit the street to survey local shopkeepers and shoppers, and their verdict is overwhelming. 73% say that the Council has not done enough to support the area, while 91% say that more people would shop on Dominion Rd if the area was improved," says Garth Houltham, another Roskill Community Voice candidate.
"Local shop keepers are also fuming about the C&R Councils plans to remove street parking. They are genuinely fearful that this move will kill their businesses. Roskill Community Voice is committing to stopping the process if elected, and going back to the drawing board with full public hearings on the Dominion Rd plans", continues Wood.
"All in all, local residents and businesses have had a gutsful of being ignored. We are a humble suburb, but we pay rates and we deserve some attention and support too. We want to see a proper precinct plan developed for Mt Roskill so that we can plan for a vibrant future that is good for business and local residents," continues Mr Houltham.
"Mt Roskill needs to be listened to, and we need some investment in our town centre. We need to support local businesses, and give the community a centre that it can be proud of. C&R have failed to deliver, and are now ramming through a poorly thought through plan. A new team is needed to give our community a voice", concludes Wood.
ENDS
Media Statement: Thousands risk losing their voice
“Aucklanders have just until the end of this week to get on the electoral roll. Tens of thousands have not done so and risk losing their voice”, says Magele Brenda Simmons Vui-Talitu, a Roskill Community Voice candidate for Puketapapa Local Board.
“In particular, we are making a special plea to our Pacific communities to urgently enrol. Many remain un-enrolled, and if they do not return their enrolment forms before this Friday 20 August, they will not be on the roll”, continues Joel Fotu, another candidate for Roskill Community Voice.
“There are huge issues at stake for all voters this election. The new Auckland Supercity is changing everything and residents must vote to have their say in issues such as the ongoing public ownership of our assets, better public transport, and real powers for local communities”, continues Simmons Vui-Talitu.
“With just days to go, people need to take urgent steps to get enrolled, and those who are already enrolled should encourage friends and family to do so. Go to www.elections.org.nz, call 0800-36-76-56, or head to your local Postshop to get a form today. Take it back to the Postshop before August 20 to ensure it is processed in time”, says Fotu.
“Time is really running out now, so please take urgent steps to ensure that you have a voice”, concludes Simmons Vui-Talitu.
ENDS
“In particular, we are making a special plea to our Pacific communities to urgently enrol. Many remain un-enrolled, and if they do not return their enrolment forms before this Friday 20 August, they will not be on the roll”, continues Joel Fotu, another candidate for Roskill Community Voice.
“There are huge issues at stake for all voters this election. The new Auckland Supercity is changing everything and residents must vote to have their say in issues such as the ongoing public ownership of our assets, better public transport, and real powers for local communities”, continues Simmons Vui-Talitu.
“With just days to go, people need to take urgent steps to get enrolled, and those who are already enrolled should encourage friends and family to do so. Go to www.elections.org.nz, call 0800-36-76-56, or head to your local Postshop to get a form today. Take it back to the Postshop before August 20 to ensure it is processed in time”, says Fotu.
“Time is really running out now, so please take urgent steps to ensure that you have a voice”, concludes Simmons Vui-Talitu.
ENDS
Sunday, 15 August 2010
Campaigning with Len Brown in Roskill
Len Brown campaigning in Puketapapa with supporters, including Roskill Community Voice candidate Joel Fotu on the far left. (Len is in the middle!)
From the City Vision website:
C&R’s plan to forcibly remove Monte Cecilia School has now exploded as a major campaign issue. This scathing Herald editorial accurately reflects the view of most Aucklanders – we’re happy to invest in the new gallery, but it is utterly unacceptable for the much loved school to be forcibly evicted at a cost of tens of millions of dollars of public money, when it just doesn’t need to happen.
On Saturday the dividing lines became very clear. The new gallery was opened with a ritzy function. The very important people of Auckland attended; many bussed to the venue in tinted MPV’s, no doubt paid for with more public money.
Just across from the gallery, the Monte Cecilia School Community gathered for a family fun day, and to mount a peaceful protest. The numbers swelled despite the bad weather, and the sense of total anger and grief at the potential loss of the school was visceral. Len Brown met with school leaders and expressed his concern about the cost to ratepayers, the impact on the school, and whether there is an on-site compromise option.
The school community just cannot understand why John Banks, David Hay, and C&R are so hell-bent on uprooting the school at an enormous cost, when it is so unnecessary. The community has put forward proposals to move the school buildings to a small 1 hectare block of the park, out of the way of the gallery. This proposal would allow the park, the gallery, and the school to comfortably co-exist, and would cost about one tenth of C&R’s current plans.
At every step of the way however, any attempts to engage in a genuine discussion about alternative options have been shut down by Hay and C&R. Their arrogance was on full display on Saturday as first, Banks and Hay attempted to smile and wave to the protestors as if the whole issue was a joke, and then secondly as a stream of C&R candidates came to talk to the crowd as proceedings were winding down. Christine Fletcher, and Roskill Community Board member Nigel Turnbull attempted to soft-pedal the issue, promising more consultation after the election, and stating that they didn’t want to “politicise” the issue.
What they hadn’t counted on was the commitment of the Friends of Monte to the cause, and their unwillingness to be shrugged off. Politics is about how we make decisions in our community, and this is a political issue. The abuse of process, the sidelining of a whole community, and the enormous and as yet un-tallied cost of the project are all intensely political issues.
In Mt Roskill and across Auckland, voters have a chance to make their own political judgment. Back C&R who have forced this project through at $40 million and counting, or back City Vision for Council and Roskill Community Voice for Local Board, who have pledged to stand with the community against this madness.
Thursday, 12 August 2010
Media Statement: Shambolic Dominion Rd proposal must stop
“Another example of shambolic consultation”, is how Roskill Community Voice spokesperson Michael Wood describes Auckland City’s plans to significantly change one of Auckland’s busiest roads, Dominion Rd.
“Once again, we see a major proposal that will cost a lot of public money being rammed through. Our sources tell us that the proposal is being deliberately rushed through by the C&R majority, ahead of the Supercity elections. Even the current rushed process only came about because Councillors Fryer and Casey demanded an extension”, he continues.
“Critically, the rushed process means that the community has not had a real say. We have talked to nearly every single shopkeeper at the Mt Roskill shops, and they feel totally out of the loop. People support better public transport, but this support will be lost if they feel like their voice is not being heard”.
“This feeling is increased by the fact that C&R candidates have already come out saying that they know what the solution should be, inclusive of daft ideas like abolishing the bus lane and turning it into a T2 lane. We doubt they’ve talked to anyone in Mt Roskill before making these pronouncements”.
“We are calling for the consultation to be halted until the new Council and Local Boards are elected. If Roskill Community Voice wins control of the Mt Roskill Board we will demand full public hearings on the proposals so that everyone in the community has a voice. We are sure that such a process can lead to some sensible outcomes that balance better public transport and cycling options with local business needs”, concludes Wood.
ENDS
“Once again, we see a major proposal that will cost a lot of public money being rammed through. Our sources tell us that the proposal is being deliberately rushed through by the C&R majority, ahead of the Supercity elections. Even the current rushed process only came about because Councillors Fryer and Casey demanded an extension”, he continues.
“Critically, the rushed process means that the community has not had a real say. We have talked to nearly every single shopkeeper at the Mt Roskill shops, and they feel totally out of the loop. People support better public transport, but this support will be lost if they feel like their voice is not being heard”.
“This feeling is increased by the fact that C&R candidates have already come out saying that they know what the solution should be, inclusive of daft ideas like abolishing the bus lane and turning it into a T2 lane. We doubt they’ve talked to anyone in Mt Roskill before making these pronouncements”.
“We are calling for the consultation to be halted until the new Council and Local Boards are elected. If Roskill Community Voice wins control of the Mt Roskill Board we will demand full public hearings on the proposals so that everyone in the community has a voice. We are sure that such a process can lead to some sensible outcomes that balance better public transport and cycling options with local business needs”, concludes Wood.
ENDS
Tuesday, 10 August 2010
Herald on Roskill Community Voice & Monte Cecilia
In the Herald print edition, Tuesday August 10th 2010.
A political ticket has been formed to oppose plans by Auckland City Mayor John Banks and his Citizens & Ratepayers allies to spend millions moving Monte Cecilia School and Liston retirement village in Hillsborough.Click through for the whole article.
Roskill Community Voice is contesting the Puketepapa local board and endorsing City Vision candidates Cathy Casey and Glenda Fryer for the two Albert-Eden-Roskill ward seats on the Auckland Council.
Roskill Community Voice spokesman Michael Wood said $30 million of public money was going to a "vanity project" for Mr Banks and his C&R deputy David Hay when other parks and facilities were being neglected.
Another candidate, Garth Houltham, said Mr Banks and the C&R-controlled Mt Roskill community board had ignored the community in forcing through their "grand plan" to relocate the school and Liston village to expand Monte Cecilia Park.
He said the ticket was concerned that pressure would come on nearby residents to sell their homes for further expansion, and would act as a "voice for the community on this issue".
The council has gradually been acquiring land for Monte Cecilia Park from the Catholic Church since 2000, but got offside with parents of the primary school and the local community for buying the 1ha site and planning to build a new school about 2.7km away on land at St John Vianney Church in Hillsborough Rd.
The plans have been opposed by City Vision councillors, including Dr Casey and Ms Fryer, who are standing against C&R's Christine Fletcher and Paul Goldsmith.
C&R councillors will be out in force at Monte Cecilia Park on Sunday for the opening of the Pah Homestead to house the $50-million art collection of businessman James Wallace.
The Wallace Arts Centre has been a pet project for Mr Banks...
Monday, 9 August 2010
Media Statement: New ticket will fight to overturn demolition
“The decision of the Auckland City Council to relocate Monte Cecilia School and demolish Liston Village, as well as the decision of the Auckland Transition Agency to support the Council’s actions are a disgrace”, say Garth Houltham and Michael Wood of the newly formed Roskill Community Voice team, which is contesting the Puketapapa Local Board election.
“The Monte Cecilia community and the broader community of Mt Roskill are shocked by the way the relocation of the school has been rammed through. Consultation has been a sham, and alternative proposals that would have saved the school, while giving the art gallery more space, have been ignored by the C&R Council”, says Mr Houltham who is a member of the Friends of Monte group.
"We are also concerned at the pressure being put on other nearby residents to sell their homes for further expansion of the park. We believe it is time the intentions of C&R candidates are made clear to the community. Owners of properties surrounding the park need to know just how many other homes could be included in this un-costed buy up", he continues.
“We cannot believe that $30 plus million of public money is being spent on this vanity project for John Banks and David Hay, while other parks and facilities in our community are neglected. If Roskill Community Voice wins control of the Local Board we commit to taking all lawful steps to stop the demolition of the school and to stop this waste of public money”, says Mr Wood.
“The community has been ignored on this issue. Our Mayor and our local C&R Councillors have forced their grand plan through, and our local C&R Board has failed to speak up for the community. Our team will be a voice for the community on this issue”, concludes Mr Houltham.
ENDS
“The Monte Cecilia community and the broader community of Mt Roskill are shocked by the way the relocation of the school has been rammed through. Consultation has been a sham, and alternative proposals that would have saved the school, while giving the art gallery more space, have been ignored by the C&R Council”, says Mr Houltham who is a member of the Friends of Monte group.
"We are also concerned at the pressure being put on other nearby residents to sell their homes for further expansion of the park. We believe it is time the intentions of C&R candidates are made clear to the community. Owners of properties surrounding the park need to know just how many other homes could be included in this un-costed buy up", he continues.
“We cannot believe that $30 plus million of public money is being spent on this vanity project for John Banks and David Hay, while other parks and facilities in our community are neglected. If Roskill Community Voice wins control of the Local Board we commit to taking all lawful steps to stop the demolition of the school and to stop this waste of public money”, says Mr Wood.
“The community has been ignored on this issue. Our Mayor and our local C&R Councillors have forced their grand plan through, and our local C&R Board has failed to speak up for the community. Our team will be a voice for the community on this issue”, concludes Mr Houltham.
ENDS
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