As the 2011-12 annual plan and funding is decided on, the tensions between different areas of Auckland are likely to be exposed. Here in Manukau these tensions already have been exposed.
Manukau Courier the local newspaper published an article on the 24th of May 2011 voicing the concerns of our Local boards here in Manukau city. These are the same fears that I spoke about at the start of my blog. The fear of being forgotten about and central Auckland taking much of the funding available. Some Manukau locals continue to feel this way about the new local government structure. According to Manukau Courier, the pool of funding for local priorities has dwindled as Auckland Council puts some of this money into other demands such as extra rugby world cup expenditure.
Moreover, local boards are worried that local projects will be overlooked for the sake of “fashionable arts projects in central Auckland”. It was always expected that tensions would arise from this new structure. However it is extremely worrying when a local board chair (Mike Newman) states that "Local boards and their communities are being disenfranchised in relation to decisions that have significant financial implications," comments like this will have major ramifications for the legitimately of Auckland Council in Manukau and the Southern areas of Auckland.
While I can understand the general economic situation of Auckland Council with its limited budget. The perception of locals here is that the funds, which are available, are not being spread equally. Auckland Council must work with the communities here and in other areas of the Auckland region to show that they are a Council for all of Auckland. If residents here continue to feel isolated and disenfranchised, Auckland Council will face serious social backlash and have a bitterly divided Auckland on its hands. Perceptions are powerful things they can shape and influence people’s experiences.
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