Tuesday 30th October, 2007

Royal Commission on Auckland Governance appropriately empowered says Infrastructure Council

The New Zealand Council for Infrastructure Development welcomes todays announcement of the Commissioners and terms of reference for the Royal Commission of Inquiry into Auckland local body governance.

"The Commission comprises distinguished New Zealanders with the capability to independently review, analyse, report and recommend an optimal solution for reform of Auckland governance and the terms of reference and timing are sufficient to ensure a comprehensive analysis of the options", says NZCID Chief Executive Stephen Selwood.

"NZCID considers reform of Auckland's complex local governance structure is critical to transforming Auckland into a leading twenty-first century metropolitan region, which is able to compete internationally.

"This requires significant investment in our infrastructure including high speed broadband, effective transport networks, high quality water services and resilient energy supply. It also requires advancing our arts ,sporting and cultural identity, and building strong social cohesion across a diverse multicultural society.

"Yet current progress is tortuously slow, plagued by indecision, competing leadership, inadequate regional funding and complex approval processes.

"The Royal Commission of Inquiry will be able to objectively assess proposals and determine the best governance structure to lead Auckland's future development.

We expect the Inquiry will evaluate the status quo, or a three city model against more fundamental reform proposals including the "One Auckland" structure that NZCID favours and we look forward to engaging in that process Selwood says.

We invite comment on NZCID's proposal for reform of Auckland governance which is available at www.oneauckland.org.nz

ENDS

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