Local Government (Auckland Council) Amendment Bill (No 2)

Labour supports this bill, the Local Government (Auckland Council) Amendment Bill (No 2), as I was saying before I was so rudely interrupted. The bill allows for elected members and council officials to get on with the job of representing their communities and serving their local communities, in contrast to the many pieces of legislation we have seen before this House recently that actually take power away from local communities. The bill pertains to local boards in Auckland, which are an important part of the local body scene in Auckland. They are the voice of local communities.

I want to pay tribute to a group of candidates for the local board in their area in west Auckland that I represent. Those candidates are Shane Henderson, Russell Clark, Sailauama Cheryl Talamaivao, Mike Williams, Will Flavell, Ann Pala, and Chris Cooper. They have a fantastic mixture of youth and experience. They are capable, talented, and jumping out of their skins to serve.

Debate interrupted.

The House adjourned at 10 p.m.