Open Workshops a success, all welcome
In the two terms I’ve been elected to represent you, I’ve never felt comfortable that our Local Board Workshops were held behind closed doors. The community have been excluded from matters that concern them greatly. I finally had an opportunity, at our April Business Meeting, to put a Notice of Motion to open our Workshops to the people we serve.
My NoM was seconded by Deputy Chair Moyle but voted against by Member Richard Northey. Chair Sage left the meeting prior to the vote. At the Business Meeting that debated the issue, there was a record number of Deputations and Public Forums in support of opening our Workshops.
From Councillors and community members to current and previous Local Board Members. No one spoke against opening our Workshops. That of course begs the questions, why were they closed in the first place and why are not all 21 Auckland Council Local Boards opening their Workshops, something the Ombudsman is in favour of?
With the majority of the Board in favour of opening our Workshops, I’m pleased to share that you are most welcome to observe our Tuesday Workshops online. While you cannot participate in the Workshop you will be able to hear, in advance of our formal Business Meeting, the matters that are before us.
We have now had two Open Workshops, none of the concerns of Chair Sage and her colleague, Member Northey, have come to fruition. We are now transparent, and our community has the opportunity to be fully informed
To observe our Tuesday workshops, email waitematalocalboard@aucklandcouncil.govt.nz to receive the link to the Workshop. All are most welcome.
Three cheers to Auckland’s Deputy Mayor, Cr. Desley Simpson
It’s a delight to serve as Deputy Chair of the Auckland Domain Committee. Pukekawa, Auckland Domain is our oldest park. Established in 1843, at 75 hectares, it is one of our largest parks. In my view it is our most important park. During the 1920s, the Wintergarden was added, and the museum became a permanent memorial to our fallen service women and men.
As a wedding celebrant, I have officiated at many marriages in the Band Rotunda and the two large glass houses, one temperate the other tropical are home to many rare plant species and spectacular botanical displays which bring many much joy.
I often describe Pukekawa, Auckland Domain as the jewel of Auckland, as such it requires considered oversight to ensure this precious park is maintained and developed with future generations in mind. The quarterly Domain Committee governance meetings, chaired ably by our Deputy Mayor, keeps the enjoyment for all Aucklanders, present and future, at the heart of our decision making.
I’m sure the people of Auckland will join me in my acknowledgement of Deputy Chair, Cr. Desley Simpson. Her wisdom, focus and commitment to this important taonga will be deeply appreciated by future generations.
Sarah is always interested in your views. For Council related matters, email her at sarah.trotman@aucklandcouncil.govt.nz For Community and Residents (C&R) matters email her at sarahtrotman@outlook.com. Sarah can also be reached on 021 487 583 or www.facebook.com/sarahtrotman2
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Published: May 2024