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NZ Herald Tuesday April 6, 1999
 

Petition barred from libraries

 

By Jason Collie

 

 
 
 

The Auckland City Council stands accused of political censorship after banning from its libraries a petition Opposing its water company.
The petition was launched by the Water Pressure Group, which wants Metrowater disbanded and wastewater charges returned to general rating

But city librarian Barbara Birkbeck would not allow the forms to be placed in libraries because it was against council policy.

Balmoral councilor Maire Leadbeater has attacked the ban and hopes to overturn the policy, under which the city librarian, in consultation with the director and /or chief executive, must approve all petitions on council policy before they are put on display.

Council spokesman Jim Brockies said it was common for petitions that were offensive, against the principles of the Treaty of Waitangi or human rights and council policy to be banned. “The policy is that we accept all petitions and we have for many years, except where it is against council policy”, he said

Marie Leadbeater said libraries should be impartial if community groups wanted to put up posters and petitions. Since council’s policies and activities touch people closely in their daily lives, it is inevitable that people will ask to display petitions and posters opposing council he said.
“The only limitations should be about such issues as defamation and personal privacy.”

Water group spokeswoman Rose Hollins said the commercialising agenda of some council officials and councillors ----- and consequent urge to stifle dissent ---- had no place in a public library.
“[They] are our local communication, information and cultural centers funded by residents and ratepayers as a service for us all.”
“Changing council policy on corporatised water is a pressing community concern and the local library is where it belongs.”