The Government released its decisions on the recommendations of the
Royal Commission on Auckland Governance on 7 April 2009.
There are significant differences between the Royal Commission
recommendations and the government’s decisions. The key high-level
decisions are:
One unitary Auckland Council
One mayor for Auckland with governance powers, elected at large by
the region’s residents and ratepayers
Approximately 20 to 30 local boards across the region as the second
tier of governance
20 councillors on the Auckland Council - 8 elected at large and 12
elected from wards
The final number or local boards, and the boundaries of the Auckland
Council, wards and local boards to be determined by the Local
Government Commission.
A number of other recommendations need consideration by Government,
or are more appropriate for the Establishment Board or future
Auckland Council to decide.
A programme of detailed work will be completed to implement the
Government's high-level response and enable the drafting of
legislation.
Go to www.auckland.govt.nz for more information.
Royal Commission of Inquiry into Auckland's Governance
The Royal Commission on Auckland Governance's report was released by
the Government on 27 March 2009. Its main recommendation is the
creation of a new unitary authority for the Auckland region, called
the Auckland Council.
It has posted its Executive Summary and Recommendations on its
website.
Waitakere City Council made a submission to the Royal Commission
last year and has provided some initial feedback to the Government.
Six of Auckland's councils have also jointly sent feedback to the
Government. (See 'Common Concerns'
document below) The Government has indicated it will respond to
the recommendations made by the Royal Commission soon.
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Council responds to Government on Royal Commission report
Waitakere City Council has given the Government its initial
feedback on the Royal Commission's report and has highlighted the
priority issues that need further consideration, including:
Representation and accountability
Functions and funding
Boundaries
Council-controlled organisations
Asset ownership
Mayoral powers
Timing and electoral term
Cost of reform.
Mayor Bob Harvey says his council believes the Commission's
recommendations centralise power and funding too much.
"In short, it's a recipe for power, not unity. We want to help the
Government fix that imbalance and keep the local in local
government."
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Auckland Governance
