Media Release
Report raises significant challenges for the Government
For immediate release on 27 March 2009

“We share the concerns expressed by the Government about the loss of local democracy and community representation in Auckland,” President of Local Government New Zealand Lawrence Yule said on the release of the Report of the Royal Commission into Auckland Governance.

“We commend the Hon. Peter Salmon and the Royal Commission for its comprehensive report. However, we are very concerned about the loss of local democracy, the loss of community boards and the lack of detail on any significant savings.

“We agree that this work is a matter of urgency, given the last 18 months of uncertainty for staff and elected members. However, it is too important to get wrong. The Government must consider these recommendations and their implications thoroughly.

“Any new solution must be better than the current arrangements. Auckland citizens must be confident that the new structures will provide strong representation, be responsive to their expectations and provide a role model for local government. It is now up to the people of Auckland to tell the Government what they think of these recommendations.”

Mr Yule said the report was in response to a unique set of governance issues in our largest metropolitan area.

“The Government must consider if this is the best approach for Auckland before we consider if this proposed solution could, or should, be applied to other parts of New Zealand.

“Once the Government finalises its intentions, it has to ensure a successful implementation and transition from the current arrangements. This will not be an easy task and without risk, given the high expectations on the outcome. We have offered to assist the Government on any transitional arrangements,” said Mr Yule.

ENDS

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