Media Release

14 May 2010

Super city poll numbers spell failure for Govt

Labour's Auckland Issues spokesperson Phil Twyford said independent poll results out today showing strong opposition to the super city were an indictment of the Government's handling of the Auckland reforms.

“Labour believed the Government could salvage the project by making three simple changes to the third super city bill which is due to be passed later this month,” said Phil Twyford.

A majority of Aucklanders believe they will be personally worse off under the super city.  Fifty percent more people disagreed than agreed with the suggestion Auckland would be a better place to live under the super city.

"Even the Government's main selling point, that the amalgamation would improve management of the region, is not believed by most Aucklanders.

"After a year of John Key putting a smiley face on the creation of the super city, these poll numbers show Aucklanders are far from convinced.

"The Government could fix this by making some changes that address Aucklanders' concerns.

"First, they should legislate to guarantee real decision-making and rule-making powers to local boards, and give power back to communities.

"Second, they should back off imposing council owned companies on Auckland, for example in transport. Don't treat Auckland as a corporation. Give the power back to the Auckland Council to decide whether it wants to set up these CCOs.

"Third, don't take away Aucklanders' right to decide in a referendum whether the ports of Auckland get sold," said Phil Twyford.

Contact: Phil Twyford 027 444 9161