Speculation Over Super City "Horrifying"

Speculation that the Auckland region could be governed by one super city council is “horrifying” and would not be in the best interests of well defined and distinct communities around the region, says North Shore City Mayor Andrew Williams.

Mr Williams, who says he was shocked to read this morning’s New Zealand Herald article “ We'll be one huge city with a super mayor”, believes common sense will prevail by the independent commissioners overseeing the Royal Commission of Inquiry on Auckland Governance.

The Royal Commission’s report is to be presented to the Governor-General no later than March 31 and any recommendations will not be released before then.

The Commission today issued a press statement distancing itself from the Herald article saying it was "speculative".

Mr Williams said North Shore City Council's overall approach on Auckland governance was to retain the "Local" in Local Government whilst supporting an enhanced regional authority.

“From the outset it is North Shore City’s strong belief that local councils are working very effectively for their communities, and that each part of Auckland has their unique strengths and community identities," says Mr Williams.

Mr Williams believes North Shore City’s approach will help lay the groundwork for the city and the region, and ensure that the area maintains its local identity and governance, yet makes a major contribution to ensuring that the region becomes a true Pacific city with world class attractions and infrastructure.

“We believe any changes implemented must be robust and flexible enough to allow Auckland to be the growth engine of New Zealand and to improve its social, economic, environmental and cultural well-being, while maintaining local democracy and accountability.

“We also believe that one regional body should manage Auckland’s transport and environment, a central council that would be formed with representation from each city council to deliver on the 'big picture' issues.”

Mr Williams said North Shore City Council’s submission to the Royal Commission of Inquiry was that North Shore was providing quality services that met the needs and aspirations of its community. The excellent results recorded by the city on all fronts meant that North Shore City, New Zealand’s 4th largest city with 225,000 people, was already a very successful well sized city by Australasian standards.

“To read that one super city could do better by governing the whole of the Auckland region is absolutely horrifying.

“Individual councils should be left to represent their own communities of interest and the aspirations and will of the community," he said.

Mr Williams said North Shore City Council was a progressive local body, played a strong role in supporting regional initiatives, and was proud to represent its diverse community to a very high standard. We are seen as a leader on so many fronts in New Zealand local government, so why would you do away with a success story when New Zealand needs to be focusing on going forward, not back to1989 pre-amalgamation days.

“North Shore is embarking on a comprehensive 15 year strategic plan through its Long Term Council Community Plan (LTCCP) process.

“We are the first council in New Zealand to introduce this forward thinking 15 year model which takes a more realistic approach toward major infrastructure projects and will help to make the Shore an even better place to live, work and play. This comprehensive plan will be of great benefit to not only North Shore but also the Auckland region and the nation.”

ENDS

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