Rights chief urges extra time on Super City

People need more time to consider Super City legislation and the time allowed for submissions to be made on it should be doubled, the Human Rights Commission says.

It also supports a call for separate Maori seats on the Super City council.

The Auckland governance legislation parliamentary select committee has begun a marathon session to consider almost 2500 submissions on the Local Government (Auckland Council) Bill.

Commissioner Judy McGregor appeared before the committee yesterday. She said the public submission period should be doubled to 12 weeks.

"We feel this would allow Auckland citizens to have the opportunity to have their say in a measured and purposeful manner," she said.

The 12-week period from the first reading for submissions should apply to the third bill due to be introduced in October. The statement said the bill the public was considering was very different from the royal commission recommendations and the short timeframe had limited the chance for consultation with those most affected.

Legislation should make it clear that the new Super City council had human rights responsibilities.

Dr McGregor said the new council had to act as a good employer to the thousands of local government staff affected by the changes.

Other recommendations included:

* A voter education campaign
* Legislation allowing Maori seats "as a Treaty of Waitangi obligation and to reflect mana whenua representation"
* Measures to be taken to ensure women are represented on the council and boards.

- NZPA