Auckland Councillors waste hours debating TPP!

The Herald reports:

Auckland councillors have today spent two and a half hours debating the Trans Pacific Partnership at a reported cost of $50,000 to ratepayers.

Albany councillor Wayne Walker put forward a notice of motion, including clarification from Trade Minister Tim Groser on how the recommendations from eight Local Boards were being addressed in current negotiations.

After a long discussion on the trade agreement, several councillors vented their frustration on social media.

Councillor Denise Krum said: ” A very long morning! Best use of our time? I think not.”

Councillor Linda Cooper said at a cost for council committee meetings of $20,000 an hour, the debate had cost $50,000.

“That much money to a local community development organisation would employ a community broker. Actual work on the ground for people,” she said.

And councillor Sharon Stewart: “We need to stick to our core business.”

The debate took up most of the morning session at the regional strategy and policy committee.

Yes they do need to stick to core business.

What next – spent a morning debating Syria and ISIS?

If Councillors can waste time debating this, then there are too many of them, and not enough real work!