Boundary debate
Western Leader
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Will it stay or will it go?
Opinion is split over whether Avondale should be included in the yet to be finalised Waitakere ward that will be put in place in time for next year’s local body election.
The Local Government Commission wants the suburb to form part of the proposed new Whau ward along with parts of Kelston, New Lynn, Green Bay and Blockhouse Bay.
Avondale Community Board member Duncan Macdonald says residents are keen to stay detached from Waitakere.
He says they want nothing to do with the black jeans and mullet haircuts associated with the "westie" image.
Mayor Bob Harvey, whose council would rather see Avondale included in Waitakere’s boundaries, says he’s appalled by Mr Macdonald’s comments and that Avondale could prosper as part of a larger unified west.
"I suggest he opens his eyes and looks at the sinkhole Avondale is," Mr Harvey says.
"We would make it a success rather than a dilapidated, struggling set of shops."
New wards will emerge when Waitakere city is dissolved next year to make way for the Auckland supercity.
The commission wants the region divided into 12 wards with each represented by one or two councillors, depending on size.
Nineteen local boards with five to nine members each are also on the cards.
Full details can be viewed online at www.lgc.govt.nz.
Public submissions close at 5pm on December 11.
