-
Related
The government will reveal Auckland's new local government structure on Tuesday, with Prime Minister John Key saying it has come up with a good proposal.
A "super city" as recommended by the Royal Commission that inquired into Auckland's local government is expected to be confirmed, but with some changes on its details.
The report recommended creating the "super city" run by a single authority with urban and rural wards.
There will be just one mayor.
The changes the government is looking at could concern the representation local communities will have on the "super city."
Key said Cabinet discussed the report on Monday and there was "extensive and wide-ranging" debate about its recommendations.
But he will not give any further details ahead of the announcement that he and Local Government Minister Rodney Hide will make in Auckland at 2pm.
"We've come up with what we think is a good proposal," Key said.
"The problems in Auckland are well defined...now it is up to central government to show leadership."
Key said 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.
But there's concern from some quarters a move to the super city could spell an end to local democracy in Auckland.
David Wilson of the Auckland University of Technology Public Policy Institute says a downside is how the local councils are actually run and whether or not they have any power or confidency of their own.
"If they are still going to be for all intents and puproses subsidary to the unitary authority, which is the model we currently have, you've got to consider whether or not local democracy can still be in full flight in that model," says Wilson.
However Manukau mayor Len Brown says his ratepayers are not happy with the move.
What do you think about the Royal Commission's recommendation? Share your view on the messageboard below.
Add a Comment:
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