Now is the time for a single Auckland council

Media Statement 27 March 2009

Now is definitely the time for a single Auckland council

A single ‘super-council’ for the Auckland region would be a welcome breakthrough, which is necessary to remove the handbrake to economic development, job and wealth creation, and the transformation of Auckland as a world-class destination, according to Property Council.

Connal Townsend, Chief Executive of Property Council, said the recommendations of the Royal Commission on Auckland Governance provided a strong foundation for reform, which if implemented would represent a significant improvement on the status quo.

“By and large we are gratified with the Commission’s recommendations. This includes acceptance of Property Council’s recommendation to abolish the eight current units of local government in Auckland.

The Commission has accepted our view that Auckland needs a streamlined governance model, complemented with a single staffing and management structure.

“Auckland needs the transparency of one council, one future plan, and one rate bill. This is what the commercial ratepayers, the people who pay the bulk of the property rates, submitted to the Commission.

We are delighted that the Commission has accepted this argument,” Connal townsend said.

To preserve the balance of local representation for and on behalf of ratepayers, the Commission has also recommended the establishment of six local councils, which would be responsible for producing draft community action plans as part of the Auckland Council’s long-term council community plan. The Commission has also recommended the adoption of a uniform rating system for the Auckland region, to meet city-wide and local funding needs.

“By and large the mechanical changes proposed by the Commission will enable Auckland to move forward.

What Auckland needs is less politicking and confusion, and a good deal more clarity and vision. The Commission has done a good job to strike a balance between the competing interests and divergent views that exist throughout the region.

“But from the perspective of commercial property ratepayers and developers who are responsible for bankrolling and funding the development of Auckland, the changes proposed, starting with a streamlined council structure and new approach to funding and planning, represent a new beginning for New Zealand’s largest regional economy,” Connal Townsend said.

ENDS

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