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

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