Date 13 March 2008
Press Release
For Immediate Release. Auckland Councillors Abuse Democracy.
“Auckland Councillors abused democracy at a confidential meeting about the Canadian bid for Auckland Airport,” says
Republicans Auckland Central candidate Kerry Bevin.
Just avoiding arrest, for objecting to secrecy, the Republican Leader claimed
“Rate payers have a right to information regarding control of their assets. Commercial sensitivity is used as an excuse
when it is not; to set up confidential meetings where descent is not allowed. The Canadian bid should not even be
considered. Transparency and the wishes of the people are paramount,” Mr Bevin said.
“We all know what to do with misguided councillors who think they know best and keep citizens in the dark.”
Auckland Airport would go the same way as Telecom and the Railways under foreign ownership, said the Republican.
Republic of NZ party policy on local government is to put important issues to Binding Local Initiatives (BLI). This is
direct democracy as is done in Switzerland. Republicans would protect strategic assets like the Airport with the
Kiwishare principle that keeps control with local councils and central government.
Direct Democracy is a major plank for the Republicans, (No2 in our 5 ways Forward) necessary to stop abuse of process
and rights. There is no mandate to sell strategic assets.
ENDS