How can giant city empower people?

A leading North Shore community activist is speaking to community organisations on Monday about the implications of the changes to Auckland governance.

John Raeburn will speak at the meeting organised by North Shore Community Social Services and Raeburn House.

Mr Raeburn says among the issues that need to be addressed is how a giant bureaucracy like a supercity can have a human face and empower communities.

"Taking a well-organised democratic and action-oriented approach at the local community level is essential," he says.

"The people themselves need to have a self-determining and ongoing role in what is done by local government, if we don’t want to be steamrollered over by what is being proposed."

Mr Raeburn, who was awarded a QSO for community service, is an adjunct professor in community health at AUT University.

He is a former Mental Health Foundation chairman and director of public health at the Problem Gambling Foundation.

Raeburn House is named in recognition of his community development work.

The community organisations’ meeting is from noon to 2pm in the Tai-tamariki Hall, Auburn Reserve, Auburn St (end of Como St), Takapuna. For information phone 441-8989 or 486-4820.

- © Fairfax NZ News