Greens leader out to save Mt Albert from Hide

Green Party co-leader Russell Norman is out to save Mt Albert from ACT leader Rodney Hide, he announced today at his Mt Albert campaign launch.

Dr Norman, who is standing in the Mt Albert by-election, said the Auckland "super city" plan puts Mt Albert's public libraries, sports and community halls at risk of privatisation.

Auckland needed open governance which protected local democracy and assets while providing the regional coordination that was needed, he said.

"Rodney Hide's plan to gut local democracy and prepare Auckland's assets for sale need to be confronted head-on."

As the co-leader for New Zealand's third major political party, if he was voted MP for Mt Albert, he would be able to advocate residents' concerns "strongly from the Parliamentary front benches", he said.

"Unlike the backbenchers who ask patsy questions, I have the power to negotiate on behalf of the people of Mt Albert in Wellington."

Dr Norman spoke to Waterview residents concerned about Labour's proposal for an underground tunnel and National's above ground motorway option.

He announced he would campaign against the Waterview Connection, which he said would "bulldoze a motorway through low-income neighbourhoods".

"This is a thriving community that faces decimation if this motorway project proceeds," Dr Norman said.

He also discussed environmental issues in the Mt Albert electorate, including polluted local waterways such as Meola Creek, which he said would face further pressure from retail developments at St Lukes.

He also discussed Balmoral residents' fight against a 24-hour McDonalds outlet.

Dr Norman will be running against National list MP Melissa Lee, Labour candidate David Shearer and ACT list MP John Boscawen for the by-election on June 13.

- NZPA