MEDIA RELEASE
September 10 2008
Rodney’s Mayor disappointed at time extension for Royal Commission
Rodney District Council Mayor Penny Webster is disappointed by the recent announcement from Prime Minister Helen Clark
to give the Royal Commission on Auckland Governance extra time to present its findings.
The Royal Commission was originally going to report back on 1 December 2008, but it has now been granted an extension on
its reporting date to 31 March 2009.
“Rumours have been rife about the extension of time and stories such as that which appeared in the Sunday Star Times
over the weekend have been most unhelpful.
“While I agree with the Prime Minster that the Commission needs adequate time for its recommendations to be thoroughly
researched and explained.
“This extension makes it even harder for us, as we are trying to work along the lines of "business as usual" and
waiting for the Royal Commission report is like having the Sword of Damocles hanging over our heads."
Mrs Webster says this is even more frustrating with all Councils now starting their LTCCP (Long Term Council Community
Plan) process.
“This sets the framework for council’s programmes, budgets and financial planning over the next 10 years and Councillors
are worried that this will be a waste of time.
We need some assurance that at least the first three years of the LTCP will be adhered to, as this is important for our
ratepayers to know.”
Mrs Webster says many of the district’s ratepayers still question how or why the Royal Commission would want to lump
Rodney in with other metro councils in the Auckland region.
ENDS