In the face of uncertain and discomfiting change regarding Supercity outcomes, Phil Twyford’s Private Member’s Bill “Local Government (Protection of Auckland Assets) Amendment Bill” offers an anchor of security, especially for arts, social service, environmental and sports organisations serving their communities.
In the NZ Herald on June 9, Minister of Local Government, Rodney Hide, sought and received permission to review the Local Government Act, with a view to removing Councils’ responsibility for cultural, social and environmental well being. Many groups occupy council-owned facilities and receive council funding to provide their services and this review raised concern about the future of local resources; was it “the prelude to corporatisation of local government, and privatisation of local assets?”
Currently the community infrastructure throughout the Auckland region receives significant support from their local councils. This infrastructure includes organisations that occupy council owned buildings, or who receive operational grants that allow for the provision of services to the arts community. Then there are those who receive project funding or other resources which facilitate activities, events or services that enhance community. This support strengthens and enhances the community sector, provides opportunities, and includes a diverse range of practitioners, groups, organisations and audiences. The loss of this key support by councils could result in a sizeable reduction in services provided by both core and smaller centres and networks.
Phil Twyford’s Bill protects Auckland’s local government assets by requiring a referendum under the Local Electoral Act 2001 before sale or privatisation. The Bill would outlaw the sale of a range of assets including parks, swimming pools, libraries and public housing – other than when a sale might be part of the normal day-to-day portfolio management and has been subject to the normal consultation.
Here is the PDF of the Bill
Private Member’s Bill “Local Government (Protection of Auckland Assets) Amendment Bill” (163)
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