Complaint made to Governor-General about $UPERCITY 'railroading'! 12/5/2009

Dear Ms King

Thank you for your email to Government House regarding Auckland
Governance proposals being considered by the Government.

While the Governor-General has various legal powers and he is free to
exercise these powers as a matter of law, as a matter of constitutional
convention, the Governor-General does so on the advice of the Prime
Minister, who has the support of the House of Representatives
(Parliament).

If any Bills regarding the governance of Auckland receive a majority in
the House of Representatives, the Governor-General will be advised by
the Prime Minister to sign the Bill(s). In these circumstances—where
a Bill or Bills have been passed by a democratically elected House of
Representatives and the Governor-General had been advised by the Prime
Minister to sign them—it is not open to the Governor-General to refuse
to give Royal assent to a Bill. As a matter of constitutional
convention and democratic principle, the Governor-General accepts the
advice, and gives Royal assent to the Bill.

I can assure you that the Governor-General studies fully and carefully
all documents put to him for his signature, and that he is well informed
on issues of public importance.

More information on the Governor-General's role can be found here:
http://www.gg.govt.nz/role

I would also recommend you contact the Office of the Minister of Local
Government, Hon Rodney Hide. His contact details can be found here:
http://www.beehive.govt.nz/minister/rodney+hide

Regards

Antony Paltridge
Public Affairs Officer
Government House