Posted on 3-9-2004

Marney Ainsworth CV For ARC

Long time community activist and management consultant Marney Ainsworth
is a candidate for Auckland Regional Council representing Auckland City.

Marney, who has lived in Auckland for more than twenty years, is the
woman who blew the whistle on the Bill Birch report commissioned by John
Banks using emergency powers in the early days of his mayoralty.

She later became the convenor and spokesperson for the Wake Up Auckland
movement that formed to coordinate the reaction across Auckland to the
many cuts in services planned by the Auckland City Council.

"As a result of the last three years, I have learned that an awful lot
of important decisions get made that people in the community know very
little about. It also became clear that many of the issues that
concern people are, in fact, the responsibility of the ARC.

"With the current government strengthening and consolidating the role of
the ARC, it will become the place where important decisions affecting
our future will be made. This includes decisions on transport solutions
for the region, the supply and distribution of water, and regional
strategies for economic, social and environmental well-being.


"Whatever strategies are developed for the future must have as their
goal an improvement in the living standards and quality of life of
households and small businesses in the region. This is vital when we
consider that more than 40% of households in Auckland City have a
combined income of less than $40,000 pa."

The ARC will also have a leading role in the debate about if and how a
super city will be formed.

"Many people are concerned that a super city will result in the ordinary
people in their neighbourhoods having even less say than they do at the
moment." she said. "I am standing to give people the opportunity to vote
for someone who can bring an experienced and pro-community perspective
to discussions and decision making."

"My experience in public consultation has also confirmed that it is
important to get the big picture right first. The big picture for
Auckland is the responsibility of the ARC."

Originally trained as a mental health professional, Marney has a
background in the trade union movement. She established her own
practice in 1995 and has considerable experience in consultation and
planning, particularly in the areas of transport and settlement services
for new migrants and refugees. She also works as a mentor to small
business operators.

Marney's work and community experience is backed up with qualifications
in facilitation, public sector management and a Master of Business
Administration.

Ph 9-376 6213, Fax 376 0403, Mob: 021 284 7122