North Shore City Council considers impacts of Government decision

7 April 2009

 North Shore City Mayor Andrew Williams says his council is ready to move forward with the Government’s new governance plan for Auckland.

“My council met this afternoon to consider the plan, which is a major departure from the model favoured by the Royal Commission,” he says.

“Auckland’s councils will all need time to consider the full implications of what has been presented to us today.”

Importantly, he says, it was announced that the Government will fund only $13m of the estimated $120- $240m transition costs.

“The balance will be an added burden on our ratepayers.”

Although funding issues were a concern, Mayor Williams says that there was agreement that his council has a responsibility to work with Government appointees, Minister Rodney Hide, and with its fellow Auckland councils to implement the new structure.

“Of course, during the change process we will actively represent the needs and values of our North Shore residents and ratepayers, as well as working co-operatively for the good of the wider Auckland region.”

Mayor Williams says that the North Shore City Council supports - and has long advocated for - a regional approach to planning and infrastructure services such as transport, water supply and wastewater disposal.

However, he says the council is concerned that the proposed new model for community involvement needs clarification.

“As the proposal was outlined to us today, the 20-30 small local boards will have no enshrined statutory powers, yet they will be expected to advocate their communities’ needs to a single - and very large - Auckland Council.  “There appears to be a substantial imbalance of power, which needs addressing.”

Deputy Mayor Julia Parfitt says that the council was heartened by statements made today by the Prime Minister and Minister of Local Government.

“It appears that the door is still open for dialogue, especially about the roles and responsibilities of the local boards.  “We look forward to the Government’s further engagement with our council and with our fellow councils around the region.”

Mayor Williams says that his council is also concerned that of the 20 Auckland Councillors, only 12 will be elected from Wards, while the remaining eight councillors and the Mayor will be elected at large.

“This opens the council up to party-based campaigning and voting, which could further erode community representation.”

 He says that today’s proposal was very much a broad brush approach and he believes that there will be opportunity to work with the establishment board as they flesh it out and clarify various aspects of the plan.

“Like other Auckland councils, North Shore City has an experienced and committed team of elected representatives and staff.  We also receive valuable advice and support from a wide range of community groups and organisations,” he says.

“We are committed to using all their collective knowledge and energy for the benefit of Auckland.

We don’t just want change for change’s sake - we need to see positive outcomes delivered for the benefit of the wider region.”

ENDS

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