Roskill Community Voice

by

Media Statement: Roskill Community Voice straight to work

“The election of two Roskill Community Voice candidates to the Puketapapa Local Board represents an historic shift away from C&R dominance in Mt Roskill. We intend to use our two Board positions to speak up loudly on behalf of our community”, says newly elected Board member Michael Wood.

“Our ticket was formed just six months ago, so to win two positions on the Board is a real achievement, and a testament to the hard work of our whole team of candidates and supporters. We would also like to thank the people of Mt Roskill for putting their trust in us. We will work hard on the issues we were elected on”, says newly elected Board member Julie Fairey

“First off the blocks we will be taking the fight up for the Monte Cecilia School community. We campaigned to take all lawful steps to stop the wasteful and shameful forced eviction of the school, and that is what we will now do. There is a new Council and a new Board and we are confident that a solution can be found that maintains the school on the site while meeting the objectives of other parties. We will be taking steps on this issue within a week”, continues Wood

“We will be fighting hard on many other issues too, including the spread of unwanted bottle shops, improved access to early childhood education, and ensuring that our community gets a fair share of the Supercity cake”, says Fairey

“We will be pro-active Board members who will actively campaign on the issues that matter. We will also be constructive where we can, and plan to discuss a number of matters with our C&R colleagues over the coming weeks. We want all residents to be actively engaged in the new Board and encourage them to contact us with any issues”, concludes Wood.

ENDS

by

Media Statement: Roskill Community Voice Supporting Residents Against Bottle Store

“We stand firmly behind the ‘Mt Roskill Against More Liquor’ group to oppose the establishment of the new bottle store on May Rd, and the further spread of off-license liquor outlets in Mt Roskill”, says Roskill Community Voice spokesperson Michael Wood.

“Roskill Community Voice has been concerned about this issue for a long time and we have made it one of our central campaign themes. Throughout the campaign we have warned that the current laissez faire rules are leading to a dangerous proliferation of liquor stores in Mt Roskill”, he continues.

“We are not anti-liquor, we just want reasonable controls in place so that we can keep our community safe. As it stands, we have a huge range of alcohol related problems in Mt Roskill, and yet another bottle shop will just add to the problem”

“We have had a number of calls from local residents and what is making them so angry about the May Rd bottle shop is that there has been no community consultation. The blame for that lies squarely at C&R’s door. In March of this year they block voted against proposals to better regulate off-license liquor stores. C&R voted against the community and to keep the free-market in liquor”

“We will actively support local residents in their fight against this particular store, and we will continue to campaign for our community to have a real say over liquor policy in our own backyard. In particular we will be making it a priority to push on with our call for a local liquor licensing trust that gives the community a direct say over liquor issues here in Mt Roskill”, concludes Wood.

ENDS

by

Media Statement: Renewed call for return to liquor licensing trusts

“Yet another off-license liquor outlet opening in Mt Roskill is evidence that our call to re-introduce local liquor licensing trusts needs to be taken seriously”, says Roskill Community Voice spokesperson Michael Wood. Roskill Community Voice is contesting the Puketapapa Local Board in the Supercity elections.

“Despite the fact that our community is struggling with a whole range of liquor-related problems, May Rd Liquor is being allowed to set up shop in a largely residential area. Local residents have contacted us to express their anger and concern”, continues Wood.

“Residents, and Roskill Community Voice are angry that the community has not been consulted about this new bottle shop at all. The blame for that rests squarely with the current Auckland City Council, which specifically voted against local community consultation about off-licenses, four months ago.

“The current process freezes the local community out of having a say. Our proposal to re-establish local liquor licensing trusts would change that. Local communities would be able to elect representatives to manage liquor distribution in the community and to set policies in line with the communitys wishes.

“Mt Roskill has had enough of the failed free-market in liquor policy. The costs in our community are too high. Roskill Community Voice will keep up the fight for a local liquor licensing trust and will make it a priority if elected,” concludes Wood.

ENDS