Ask Phoebe: Region's council must address area differences after election

Many Aucklanders will have to wait until the new council is in place to learn whether they will get into pools free, as Manukau folk now do. Photo / Peter Meecham

Q. There is no charge for entry to swimming pools in Manukau City but Auckland City charges entry fees. What will happen with the Auckland Super City?
- Sally White, Manukau City.

A. Things won't change for facilities such as these until the council has had time to settle down and take a look at things. Again, it is another of the areas that might devolve on to local boards.

Q. I live in Devonport and we have to use North Shore City Council rubbish bags. Auckland residents have green wheelie bins. What will happen under the Super City - will we all get wheelie bins?
- Denise de Silva, Devonport.

A.The same answer applies as for swimming pools - decisions on services like this are yet to be made.

Q. I live in a pensioner flat. What will happen to me?
- Betty Robertson, Howick.

A. This will be one for the Auckland Council's community services section, and at some stage a city-wide policy will be implemented. It is unlikely that local boards will be responsible for this. Tenants in social housing will have a different landlord (the Auckland Council) but on the whole, nothing else will change.

Q. Why is it not possible to make an early special vote in the forthcoming Super City elections? My husband and I will be overseas during the time of the election process and consequently will not be able to vote.
- Jennifer Wilson, Whangaparaoa.

A. This local body election takes place over three weeks, from September 17 to October 9. In such cases, the law does not provide for voting outside this period. However, if you know where you are going to be on or about September 20, the Auckland Council office will airmail your voting papers to you so you can vote and then return the papers before October 9. Phone the council office on (09) 973-5212.

Q. Will Waitakere remain a dry area and with new boundaries (wards) will this affect it?
- Dylan Fox, Waitakere City.

A. It's not so much a dry area as having extensive liquor bans in place. These include the central business districts in Henderson, New Lynn, Glen Eden, Titirangi, Westgate and Te Atatu Peninsula, as well as a large number of parks and reserves. The CBD liquor bans apply generally 24 hours a day seven days a week, and in the parks and reserves, from 9.30pm to 6am on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays.

Under new legislation to be introduced in October, the ability to create new dry areas will not meet the test of reasonableness.

When the Super City comes into force, it is possible that liquor bans will become the responsibility of local boards, and also the ability to lift such bans for public events. Citywide responsibility for liquor licensing will come from the Auckland Council. Licensing trusts, where they exist, will not change under the new council structures.