September 20, 2007

MEDIA RELEASE (For Immediate Release)

Ranges Bill Gets Second Airing

A Bill to manage the Waitakere Ranges and surrounding areas from further development has passed its second reading in Parliament.

The Waitakere Ranges Heritage Area Bill was first introduced into the House in February 2006 and has been recommended by the Local Government and Environment Select Committee. The Bill is jointly promoted by Waitakere City Council, Auckland Regional Council and Rodney District Council. Waitakere MP Lynne Pillay is sponsoring the Bill through Parliament.

It was debated last night and establishes the ‘Waitakere Ranges Heritage Area’, which includes the Waitakere Ranges Regional Park, residential areas around Titirangi, the foothills of the Ranges, coastal villages such as Piha, and Karekare and parts of south-west Rodney District.

Some 17,000 people live in the area.

Waitakere Mayor Bob Harvey stresses that personal property rights are not affected by the planned legislation. The Bill does not replace the Resource Management Act, nor replace or “undo” district plans prepared under the RMA.

“It does not take away or change the status of any private or public land. It does not change anybody’s property rights. If a property is being farmed today, it can continue to be farmed. If a business is being run from the property today, it can continue to be run in the future. If there are any existing rights the bill does not change these.”

After last night’s second reading in Parliament the Bill will be further debated at the House in Committee stage, where individual clauses are debated and any amendments agreed to, or voted down.

ENDS

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