Scoop has an Ethical Paywall
Licence needed for work use Learn More

Local Govt | National News Video | Parliament Headlines | Politics Headlines | Search

 

Is Goff Serious About Waste?


Is Goff Serious About Waste?

“It is great to hear Phil Goff talking about eliminating waste and duplication in his Mayoral campaign launch,” says Affordable Auckland Mayoral candidate Stephen Berry. “However I have to wonder whether this is meaningless pandering or is he really serious about clipping Council functions back to their core role?”

Phil Goff’s speech covered the need for the Super City to function efficiently. Stephen Berry doesn’t believe this is the language of someone who is serious about dealing with waste. “Mr. Goff had an opportunity to mention specific examples of the Council duplicating services already provided by central government. He could have mentioned areas where the Council operates outside of section 11A of the Local Government Act. He didn’t do either of those things today.”

What Phil Goff did mention as being wasteful is the commission of two reports which identified opportunities for privatisation of Council assets which cost half a million dollars. “This money is only wasted if the Council does not act on its findings. Mr. Goff has made clear that he won’t be selling assets to finance much needed infrastructure and his claim that he will obtain additional funding from central government is fanciful. It would seem that a Goff mayoralty will only continue the high tax and borrowing policies of Len Brown’s term.”

Unlike the other four candidates who have announced they will run for the Mayoralty, Stephen Berry has very clear concise plans to eradicate waste in Auckland Council. “I will restrict the council to only carrying out the core functions required in the Local Government Act. Council duplications of central government functions such as social and employment programs and CCO involvement in the education sector will cease so we can get serious about controlling rates and spending.”

Ends

Advertisement - scroll to continue reading

© Scoop Media

Advertisement - scroll to continue reading
 
 
 
Parliament Headlines | Politics Headlines | Regional Headlines

 
 
 
 
 
 
 

LATEST HEADLINES

  • PARLIAMENT
  • POLITICS
  • REGIONAL
 
 

Featured News Channels


 
 
 
 

Join Our Free Newsletter

Subscribe to Scoop’s 'The Catch Up' our free weekly newsletter sent to your inbox every Monday with stories from across our network.