MPs prepare for last week on road hearing Super City feedback

The Auckland governance legislation select committee continues its roadshow around the region this week, making stops at Papakura, Waiheke Island and Pukekohe in coming days.

The committee of MPs wrapped up hearings in Papatoetoe on Friday, in a day of submissions that saw one resident likening councillors to great dictators of the past, and another quoting Churchillian phrases first heard in the dark days of the London Blitz.

Manurewa resident Eileen van Dam believed that under a Super City scheme, community-owned assets would be sacrificed to "capitalist corporate oppression", and the new council would divide down political party lines.

"This bill, when passed, is going to cost us ... dearly. It's going to take the heart out of Manukau," she said.

Many submitters shared concerns that the Super City's single council and possibly 30-strong community board structure was insufficient for servicing the region's 1.4 million people.

Others were worried that mayors and other Super City councillors - elected at large - would waste ratepayers' money on "expensive ego projects".

The committee hearings are due to finish in Wellington at the end of this week.