Elections and Unitary Plan Briefings
The Elections 2013
And so campaigns get under way with the nominations for Local Government Elections 2013 closed as of Friday 16th August. You can see the full PDF version of who is running for what HERE. The guys over at Generation Zero and Auckland Transport Blog I believe are converting that PDF over into an Excel format chart – why? I have an idea but will let them tell you š
I had noted a bit of attention in the last 72 hours in the form of prodding me to run for either Local Board or a Council Ward seat. Some were also asking why I was not running for either position.
I had made a decision during the Unitary Plan feedback process (March 16-May 31) not to run for a Council position but rather focus onĀ TotaRim.Ā TotaRim being my consultancy business that advances #BetterAuckland projects amongst other things.
Council is like a tent and that tent includes the elected representatives, the bureaucracy and the Council Controlled Organisations (CCOs). One decides whether they can make their contribution to Auckland either inside or outside the tent.
I decided for the 2013 elections to stay outside the tent and continue to advance a #BetterAuckland (including #movingauckland and #SuperManukau) . That means I will be around for another three years in continuing the push to achieve this via TotaRim.
This meansĀ TotaRimĀ and myself working with willing and cooperative elective representatives of theĀ Centre Left and Centre RightĀ factionsĀ of Council. Yes, that can be “interesting” some days, but I must say it has been a good three years. Let’s hope the next three years will be as good too in pushing for a #BetterAuckland. Although TotaRim and myself are bi-partisan in our work, it seems some are still quite partisan in their thinking/politics:
Interesting you say this Ben because there is a rumour I hear that you were helping Palino with Unitary Plan policy in the early stages of his campaign before he had to remove you? What is Hulse and the rest of your friends at Council going to think when they hear this?
The person who said that links back to hereĀ http://www.palinoformayor.co.nz/Ā while the comment came from hereĀ http://louisoutlook.wordpress.com/2013/08/15/evaluating-john-palinos-unitary-plan-policy/
Rather interesting comment given that I believe in Free Enterprise and was approached first by Palino. As for being ‘removed’, I did earlier mention willing and cooperative ‘representatives’. I was approached to scope out the task at hand at the request of Palino but no contract was entered upon completion of scoping. It was his choice not to continue business for whatever reason he chooses.Ā IĀ respect his decision to do so – this is the nature of free enterprise.
The following has been stressed by Council more than once with the Unitary Plan and its processes:
From my Facebook update in regards to Slowing Down the Unitary Plan
Only one problem with Centre Right people when they say that – it can not be slowed down any more than what it is. I think they have forgotten three things:
1: Section 32 analysis still needs to happen on the Unitary Plan and the Governmentwill be watching this closely to make sure it is robust. We should get more details on this tomorrow
2: The Central Government actually has a limited time frame on the Unitary Plan before notification actually must occur – a three year process in itself. If we – The Council and Auckland blow that time frame via slowing down the Unitary Plan process then Government will take over and that does no one ANY good
3: “Iāll work to slow down the Unitary Plan and make sure we get it right for Maungakiekie-Tamaki and our future.” A Patch candidate using that language with no focus on the region. As a Ward Councillor you not only have your ward but all other wards as well. You make decisions for the region, the Local Boards look after the local. So be wary of those who are patch focused (usually the Centre Right) as they will re-cause the fragmentation the old Auckland City Council area saw for countless decades. This will come at great expense to the other Wards…
Unitary Plan Briefing
Monday there is a briefing on the Unitary Plan thus far and where to next with it. The briefing will: “cover key issues identified in the informal feedback, interim directions and an update on the next steps in the process.”
I will be in attendance at that briefing and will deliver full commentary on Tuesday for your consumption.
As readers would know, August 28-30th is where the Auckland Plan Committee will make final decisions on the Unitary Plan before setting a date when the plan goes for formal notification.
I assume this briefing (to the media) will be an extensive one. Yes, I will be asking questions as well.
TALKING AUCKLAND
Talking Auckland: Blog of TotaRim Consultancy Limited
TotaRim Consultancy
Bringing Well Managed Progress to Auckland and The Unitary Plan
Auckland: 2013 – YOUR CITY, YOUR CALL
Talking Southern Auckland 
Whats the time/details of the meeting tomorrow?
Can’t find it in the Auckland Plan Committee list.
It is a media briefing Luke. Matt should be there tomorrow as well – he was at the last one.