Posted on 8-3-2002

Waking Up In Auckland
From Wake Up Auckland Coalition

You may have heard that the last regular meeting of the Council was
deferred because John Banks and David Hay decided the meeting would not
proceed while people were holding placards or were standing due to lack of
seats (only 17 were provided). The abandoned Council meeting has been moved
to Wednesday, 13 March, 6 pm, Reception Lounge, Level 2, Town Hall. This
venue holds around 200 people.

Ratification of the sales strategy for general residential strategy and the
first sales of 12 (empty) units will be on the agenda. There will be a
gathering / rally outside the Town Hall from 5.30 pm to 6 pm.

Decisions on Pensioner Housing postponed from Friday to 20/21 March

A reminder if you don't already know, the report on the exit strategy for
pensioner housing will NOT be on the agenda for the Community Services
Committee this Friday 8th March. Instead it is going straight to the
Combined Committees (full Council) on 19/20 March where councillors will
draft the Annual Plan. Further details will be reported to come. For more
information on housing contact Sigrid Shayer, ph/fax: 09 3611517,
sigridshayer@ezysurf.co.nz

We have been advised that the annual plan and draft strategic plan will be
going out as one document on 17 April. Submissions close on 25 May.
Hearings start Thursday 6 June to 11 June. They will be held in Otahuhu,
the Fickling Centre, and the Town Hall. Submissions are through the
internet or written form attached to the plan. It will be important to ask
for a hearing. If it is a group you need to give the group name and the
name of the person nominated to speak at the hearing. Ten minutes are
allocated for the hearing - 5 to speak, and 5 for questions.

Migrants deleted for targeted assistance to improve access Council services.
At the meetings last week on the draft strategic plan, the ACRN majority
decided to delete reference to migrants as a group who need to receive
improved access to Council services. In a similar vein, they decided not to
investigate the viability of a Pacific cultural centre This comes on top
of an earlier decision not to ratify proposals to improve processes fro the
participation by Pacific people in Council decision making.

Tree Protection Rules under threat - scorched earth policy threatens for
80% of Auckland
During the public meeting we have been holding to give people information
about what is planned under the Birch report it has become clear that one
of the plans is to remove the protection rules that apply to 80% of
Auckland City area. Only heritage and scheduled trees will have
protection. More information on this is being prepared and will be sent
out soon.

Parnell Baths under threat from unwanted Eastern Motorway - Petition launched.
The real impact of the proposed eastern motorway is becoming clear with the
announcement that the redevelopment of the Parnell pools is on hold pending
decisions about whether or not the Eastern Motorway will route will go
through or by the pools. A petition on this has been launched.

Petition and leafleting Pasifika - the only limit to the number of
signatures going on the petition is the number of collectors. If you can
spare some time you can collect copies at the three main entrance gates to
Pacifica. Contact susang@pl.net for a copy

Posters, Leaflets, and leafleting - contact Verity George 025 493-953 email
vgeorge@clear.net.nz.

March and rally - marshalls, collectors needed. Contact Lisa Prager on
l.pra@xtra.co.nz or 378 1856

Turn up in force -Saturday 16 March leaving 11 am sharp from QEII Square.
It's a big St Patrick's Day weekend so we advise catching a bus downtown.
There will be a rally afterwards at Myers Park with speakers and
exceptional local singers, including Don McGlashan & Pasifika performers.

Marney Ainsworth 376 6213, marney@xtra.co.nz