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Auckland's CBD - Source: ONE News -
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The future of Auckland city went before the cabinet in Wellington on Monday, and ONE News understands the Super City plans will go ahead.
ONE News understands the cabinet signed up to the model recommended by the Royal Commission.
Ministers studied the Commission's recommendation of dissolving the Auckland Regional Council and seven local authorities and replacing them with a Super City.
The government will make its official response to the report on Tuesday.
The announcement will be made by Prime Minister John Key and Local Government Minister Rodney Hide in Auckland in the afternoon.
Key says there has been a wide-ranging debate in cabinet on Monday, with debate around where the Royal Commission is right, and where they are off the mark.
Key says both he and Hide have expressed their concern about local democracy, with the Commission recommending the establishment of six 'local' councils to work alongside the super-council.
"We've come up with what we think is a good proposal," says Key.
"The problems in Auckland are well defined...now it is up to central government to show leadership."
Key says he did not agree with critics who said the Government was moving too quickly.
The Royal Commission studied thousands of submissions and spent millions of dollars investigating Auckland's problems, he said, and if changes were going to be made they had to be in place before the 2010 local government elections.
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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