General Comments

I

• Am not happy with the present lack of transparency, accountability, and responsiveness as they apply to the governance of the Hauraki Gulf islands - the Waiheke Island community in particular. One example is the inefficient way in which resources are used.

• Want to see much more local decision - making power given to community boards. This applies in particular to community well being, environmental protection and strategic and long term planning.

• Do not want to be part of a Mega-city because of the difficulty holding politicians and bureaucrats accountable for their decisions.

• Believe that local control needs to be provided over transport, rating and expenditure, roading [including cycleways and footpaths] , environmental protection, waters management [ especially waste water ], reserves and walkways, and community development

• Believe that in the final decision there must be allowance for full participation of Maori in an appropriate structure

• Believe that the present rating system is unacceptable and that some important decisions on the funding of services and facilities need to be made.

• Believe that the Gulf islands have special ecological and environmental values that need to be properly protected and provided for. There must be recognition of the regional and national importance of the Hauraki Gulf and the final decision must provide for the holistic and integrated management of the Gulf.

• Believe that waste water management, aquifer management, control over the Coastal Marine Area and some building controls (sedimentation controls in particular) will need to be controlled at community level.

• Believe that achieving a sustainable future is paramount. In particular checks and balances are needed in order that environmental and community needs are balanced appropriately.

• Believe that some assets and services might be better managed in a wider isthmus structure (eg libraries).

• Believe that account must be taken of the major changes ahead especially those associated with climate change and the use of energy and water resources.