Hawkins George: Local Government (Auckland Reorganisation) Bill — In Committee Speaker Recalled In Committee Speaker Recalled In Committee 
Hawkins George: Local Government (Auckland Reorganisation) Bill — In Committee Speaker Recalled In Committee Speaker Recalled In Committee 
[Volume:654;Page:3621] 
Hon GEORGE HAWKINS (Labour—Manurewa) 
: 
 These amendments are not strictly in the right order but this proposed new part deals with the establishment of the Auckland Transition Agency Review Commission. This part would not be necessary if there had been a wee bit of goodwill by the Government and if it had faith in Aucklanders by giving them a say on this bill. The amendment would not have been necessary but now we are here on Saturday 16 May which is still the sitting day of 13 May here in Parliament. 
Much could be achieved by establishing a commission. The commission would be headed by a person who is eligible to hold the office of commissioner “if he or she is or is eligible to be a District Court Judge. If an appointee is not a District Court Judge at the time of appointment as a Commissioner he or she shall be appointed as a District Court Judge at that time.” That shows the seriousness and importance we place on the appointment. We cannot just appoint our mates as some parts of the bill allow. This appointment is very important. 
The proposed amendment goes on to state: “When considering whether a person is suitable to be appointed as a Commissioner the Attorney-General should have regard to the need to ensure that the Court possesses a mix of knowledge and experience in matters coming before the Court including knowledge and experience in economic commercial and business affairs local government and community affairs:” That is really important. 
The amendment mentions local government and community affairs. It is interesting. We have drafted this amendment so that these now come together. Local government in Auckland is being ridden roughshod over and worse then that so is the community. The community has been left out in the cold by this Government. 
It is interesting. We will have a series of meetings all over the place that will be run and paid for by the National Party. In my area Mr Bakshi will have one—if he is still around. He might be able to tell people how many houses they can turn into brothels and things like that. I understand he is a bit of an expert in that area. 
The appointment of commissioners is important because planning resource management and heritage protection are very important. They need to be up to speed with that. 
Dr Paul Hutchison 
: You’re right George. Get on with it. 
Hon GEORGE HAWKINS 
: It is good to see my friend the member for Hunua up here bright and early. It is good to see that he is awake; sometimes it is hard to tell whether he is talking in his sleep or whether he is awake. Other important areas that commissioners should have knowledge and experience in are environmental science including the physical and social sciences; architecture; engineering; surveying; mineral technology; and building and construction. Knowledge and experience of matters relating to the Treaty of Waitangi are also very important. 
Hon Tau Henare 
: It’s never concerned you before George! 
Hon GEORGE HAWKINS 
: There is Mr Henare. He obviously did not get home last night considering the condition he is in. He probably went straight to the clubs. He has come well fuelled for today. When we have Tau Henare well fuelled it makes life interesting.