Auckland awaits super-city fate

Published: 8:00AM Wednesday March 25, 2009 Source: Newstalk ZB/ONE News

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The mayor of Auckland is taking a wait-and-see approach to the plan for the region's future governance, which will be put in the government's hands on Wednesday.

However it may be a number of days before the findings of the Royal Commission of Inquiry are made public.

John Banks says Auckland City Council supports the creation of a super-city.

He says it will do away with layer upon layer of unnecessary bureaucracy.

He won't be pinned down on whether he wants to be its mayor, saying it's not about him.

Meanwhile, rates campaigners are concerned the creation of the super-city could take the local out of local government.

No More Rates founder David Thornton says most submissions on Auckland's governance stress people's desire to have a real say in their local community.

He says people also want to hold councils to account and you can only do that if you can question councils and get close enough to them

The Royal Commissions of Inquiry was established in October 2007. The government at the time set it up to look into Auckland's local government and how it works.

Commissioners Peter Salmon, Dame Margaret Bazley and David Shand were asked to examine the present system and make recommendations about a system of government that will best suit Auckland for the next 50-100 years.

Currently, the Auckland region is governed by seven local authorities and a regional council.

Prime Minister John Key says that Local Government Minister Rodney Hide will lead the Government's response to the report.

How do you think Auckland should be governed? Post your comments on the message board below:

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  • loge06 said on 2009-04-08 @ 05:50 NZDT: Report abusive post

    The reason for the mayor having so much power is understandable, people are crying out for more power but unfortunately we all know that can lead to no progress because instead of one person or body making firm decisions, we may end up with 20-30 councils arguing and delaying any progress because of too many ideas, thoughts & opinions. Its a fine line really.

  • loge06 said on 2009-04-08 @ 05:47 NZDT: Report abusive post

    If I was Maori, I'd rally support against the supercity and do a protest march, It sounds like they will have a lot of support to stand up against the supercity & the omission of the 3 Maori councils. I'm not too fussed whether we stay as it is or become a supercity as long as it is done right and with the benefit of ALL in mind...but when has that ever been the case behind politically motivated developments? NEVER!!!

  • loge06 said on 2009-04-08 @ 05:43 NZDT: Report abusive post

    ha ha ha those who were stupid enough to vote for National are now seeing their true racist colours. I feel sorry for Maori, it is their country we live in and they should have a stronger voice. Instead they have been truly shafted by John Key & John Banks who I'm sure fears the Maori vote. I hope someone else stands up to be mayor of the supercity if it goes ahead, somebody who understands the "underdog" not some rich, greedy arrogant person.

  • K8S said on 2009-04-07 @ 16:34 NZDT: Report abusive post

    Much better than 6 local councils. Still too much power to the mayor - ould be better to have figurehead to look good. Still too many councillors elected at large: less advantaged areas stand fewer candidates and fewer of them vote, so the already advantaged areas get too much power. Waterfront panel better than ward.

  • maryteatowel said on 2009-04-06 @ 20:43 NZDT: Report abusive post

    Well I have huge reservations about the whole concept...my gravel, unsealed road with three one lane bridges is a far cry from Queen St and has totally different requirements

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