ARC welcomes high-calibre Royal Commission appointments

30 October, 2007

The Auckland Regional Council welcomes the appointment today of commissioners and the release of wide-ranging Terms of Reference for the Royal Commission of Inquiry into Auckland Governance.

ARC chairman Michael Lee says that in Hon Peter Salmon QC, Dame Margaret Bazley and David Shand, the Government had found high-calibre people to undertake the task of investigating the region's future governance requirements.

"The region is at a critical stage in its history and it is no secret that we have major challenges to overcome - providing modern infrastructure, civic amenities and services while protecting the environment, all at a time when Auckland is growing rapidly and disproportionately to the rest of the country.

"How we rise to meet these challenges will affect generations of New Zealanders to come, no matter where they live, but our greatest priority and our number one concern is for the people of the Auckland region.

"The Inquiry is a significant piece of work to each of us, and the Auckland Regional Council will do whatever it can to assist the Royal Commission as it undertakes its task.

"In the meantime, the Council has a job to do and we will continue to work to deliver for the people of Auckland," Mr Lee says.

ENDS

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