Media Statement
Tuesday, 7 April 2009

Hon Peter Dunne
MP for Ohariu
Leader of UnitedFuture

Dunne: Cabinet decision paves way for Wellington ‘supercity’

Cabinet’s decision today to implement a streamlined version of the recommendations of the Royal Commission’s report into Auckland’s ‘supercity’ concept is a blueprint for Wellington, said UnitedFuture leader and Ohariu MP Peter Dunne.

“Effectively the formula is the same,” said Mr Dunne. “However, the smaller size of Wellington makes it an even more attractive arrangement than that proposed for Auckland.”

“A streamlined approach of a single council and mayor is supported by a network of community boards that could just as easily be applied to Wellington.”

“I believe it will be possible to establish a blueprint of governance for Wellington and deliver a framework for its implementation by the time the local government elections are held in 2010.”

“If East and West Germany can reunite within a year of the fall of the Berlin Wall then I can see no reason why Wellingtonians have to wait any longer than 2010 for the unification of our local authorities.”

“For too long Wellington has been hamstrung by competing local authorities with overlapping interests. There is a lack of integrated long-term strategic planning, forward thinking or decisive fast-paced action when required.”

“Today’s decision on Auckland leaves Wellington as the only New Zealand city with a complex and divided network of local government.”

“Its time for Wellington to shed the burdens of our outdated system and embrace the 21st century under a new governance arrangement that will benefit all Wellingtonians,” said Mr Dunne.

ENDS

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