Poverty Action Coalition and Citizens Against Privatisation

Joint Media Statement

We are acting jointly on this issue as Techscape caters for both our communities. says Percy Allison, spokesperson for PAC.

There has been no real public consultation, and definitely no mandate for this privatisation.

We are calling on both councils to enter into a Special Consultation process before any decision is made. The community must have its say. This is privatisation by stealth. PAC intend meeting with council representatives on Tuesday 20 Sept at 10am to demand the above and a referendum.

The question is, should big business be making profit out of essential public services, says Mr Allison.

Meredydd Barrar, spokesperson for CAP says, We in Waitakere opposed the commercialisation of the old Works Department when WCC turned it into a Local Authority Trading Enterprise (LATE) in 1997. It later amalgamated with North Shore¹s department to form one mighty company. We said then that this move would be a stepping stone towards privatisation, and now its happening, not unless the community stop it. CAP will also seek a meeting with the council in the near future.

This move will inevitably see the quality of service deteriorate and workers¹ conditions further slashed as the new company cuts costs to maximise profits. This is an obscenity! WCC and North Shore are rapidly turning into New Right privatisers.

WASTEWATER CHARGES

Our groups also intend to work together on opposing our respective councils¹ attempts to introduce wastewater user charges. North Shore, supported by Waitakere, are pursuing a declaratory judgment in the courts to allow them to introduce wastewater user charges without forming a company.

Again we see two so-called liberal councils pursuing New Right type policies aimed at giving the rich rate reductions by foisting extra costs on families, schools and hospitals.

Percy Allison - spokesperson for Poverty Action Coalition Meredydd Barrar - spokesperson for Citizens Against Privatisation

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