Have your say on ARC's regional governance proposal

22 November 2006

ARC invites public in on governance changes

The ARC is giving ratepayers the opportunity to have their say on its proposal for strengthening Auckland's regional governance at a public meeting on Saturday.

ARC Chairman Michael Lee says the ARC has been working with other Auckland councils and central government on options for strengthening Auckland's regional governance. Central Government has requested that Auckland councils work together to come up with a proposal by mid December so that any legislation required to enable change can be introduced in time for the 2007 local government elections.

A discussion paper outlining three potential options was released to all Auckland councils on November 6.

"The ARC has released a preliminary response to this outlining our preferred option. We want to hear what the public have to say about it," Mr Lee says.

Mr Lee says the governance changes the ARC is proposing aim to provide Aucklanders with more effective and efficient decision making.

"Aucklanders have told us they want faster and better decisions, improved democracy, as well as increased accountability and cost effectiveness. This is our proposal of how best to achieve that."

Mr Lee says the amalgamation of individual councils in Auckland is not on the agenda in the process to strengthen Auckland's regional governance.

The discussion document and the ARC's preliminary response can be found on the ARC website www.arc.govt.nz or you can order a copy by contacting Blair Doherty on 09 366 2000 ext 8308 or by email blair.doherty@arc.govt.nz.

Details of the public meeting are as follows:

Date: Saturday 25 November

Time: 10am - 1.30pm (or later if necessary)

Venue: Council Chamber, ARC Building, 21 Pitt St.

Anyone wishing to have their say Saturday's meeting should contact Blair Doherty by phone on 09 366 2000 ext 8308 or by email blair.doherty@arc.govt.nz.

ENDS

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