Maori statutory board pulls out of Unitary Plan decision making

Decisions on Auckland’s Unitary Plan will now be decided by the governing body.

Instead of going through the development committee chaired by deputy mayor Penny Hulse first and then ratified by the governing body, it will now hear all debate and make the final decisions.

The last minute swap was made this morning when the first of seven days of debate and decision-making started.

The council says the decision was supported by the Independent Maori Statutory Board (IMSB), which has two members on the development committee who would have been able to take part in the debate and decision making.

However, the IMSB is not a member of the governing body and cannot take part in any of the decisions.

Democracy Action had threatened to take legal action if the IMSB members were allowed to take part in any of the Unitary Plan decisions.

The council says the IMSB’s decision has removed any potential conflicts of interest arising from its many submissions to the Unitary Plan’s government-appointed independent hearings panel.

Ms Hulse says the IMSB has provided leadership and clarity at a difficult stage in the process.

“Its contribution and support over the past four years has been vital in shaping a Unitary Plan that will deliver a better future to Aucklanders.”

A half a day delay is not expected to have any effect on the overall timetable for decision-making. The governing body is starting deliberations at 12.30 pm today.

The final plan has to be notified on August 18, otherwise the council has to apply to the government for a 20-day extension.

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Sally Lindsay
Wed, 10 Aug 2016

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