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Auckland city - Source: ONE News -
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The government says its plan to set up 20-30 local boards to supplement a powerful Auckland-wide super city will help keep community involvement in local government.
Prime Minister John Key and Local Government Minister Rodney Hide have announced the government agreed with a Royal Commission's recommendation to set up a new Auckland Council, with one elected mayor.
But the government rejected the commission's recommendation of setting up six "local councils", instead deciding to set up 20 to 30 "local boards" to control local affairs.
"Our plan will allow Auckland's civic leaders to think regionally, plan strategically and act decisively in a way that has not happened for the past six decades," Key says.
"The combination of the new Auckland Council and the local boards will lead to better connections across the region, better value from rates and central government funding and community control of what matters in our neighbourhoods."
Local Government Minister Rodney Hide says the new boards would have more power than community boards, though the exact responsibilities have yet to be decided.
However, he said they would not be able to raise their own revenue - unless given that power by the Auckland Council - or hire staff.
Key says Local Government New Zealand would decide on the number of local boards across Auckland, along with their boundaries.
The government also rejected the suggestion for three Maori councillors, saying the council could establish the positions itself if there was community support.
The government also chose to have eight councillors elected by all Aucklanders and 12 from wards. The commission recommended a 10-10 split.
"Auckland is an important engine for New Zealand's economic growth," Key says.
"As such, it must have a simple and effective system for making regional decisions and implementing them smoothly."
The first elections under the new structure will be in October 2010.
Local Government Minister Rodney Hide says an Establishment Board would be set up by the Government to work with existing council chief executives with the transition to the new authority.
"It is imperative that the new Auckland Council focuses on the future of Auckland and how it is going to turn Auckland into an internationally competitive city," Hide says.
"The newly appointed council should not be distracted or encumbered by having to carry out an organisational restructuring."
Hide says the government had allocated $13 million to help with the transition.
"The expectation, though, is that this will be a responsibility for Auckland."
The government agreed that the council should have one rates bill, one set of plans and a waterfront development agency to look after the central city.
Also to be established will be an economic development plan, a single provider of water and wastewater and a single regional transport agency which will go further than the commission recommended by also looking after local roads.
The government put off decisions on the final southern boundary of the new Auckland Council until April next year, saying there were complex issues to deal with.
The commission recommended that southern parts of the Franklin District be brought into the Auckland region apart from Onewhero and Kaiaua, which it felt should be part of the Waikato District.
What do you think of the move for Auckland city? Post your comments on the message board below:
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Post new commentloge06 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