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Judith Tizard, MP for Auckland Central, says that the objection by two Auckland Regional Councillors to using a small area of land from Albert Park for the purposes of expanding the Auckland Art Gallery is too little too late.

"Objectors have had ample opportunity to make their concerns known," said Judith Tizard.

"The Environment Court has heard from opponents in the course of the consent hearings.  If these regional councillors had concerns with the project why did they not make them public some time ago?

"The use of a small area of Albert Park to expand the gallery was foreshadowed at every stage of development. 

"Of the 1117sq m of land needed for the upgrade, only small parcels adding up to 100 sq m were designated parkland. The rest of the area is already intended for use by the Auckland Art Gallery.

"This very important project has been a long time in the making and frankly we just need to get on with it.

"People are right when they say we need to protect public open space in central Auckland and I will continue to urge the Auckland City Council and the Auckland Regional Council to make better provision for public spaces and facilities so CBD residents and workers can participate fully in their community. The waterfront proposals are a vital opportunity here," said Judith Tizard.

The Reserves and Other Lands Disposal (ROLD) legislation contain 17 separate proposals, including the proposal from the Auckland City Council to amend the definition of Albert Park so that the Auckland Art Gallery can be extended onto land currently part of the Park.

The ROLD Bill has been drafted and the Minister of Land Information is currently seeking support from other parliamentary parties and independents for its introduction into the House.

"I encourage other political parties to support this legislation to select committee so any issues can be properly addressed," said Judith Tizard.

The aim for ROLD Bill proposals is that they be non-controversial, though that is not a hard and fast rule. One dissenting view does not necessarily make a proposal controversial.

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