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The Royal Commission on Auckland Governance is recommending Auckland's eight councils merge into one super council.
The commission has released its findings and proposes the dissolution of the Auckland Regional Council and all other seven territorial authorities.
Chairman Peter Salmon QC says they have heard constantly across all sectors about the need for urgent change.
The commission says there should be a creation of one authority called the Auckland Council.
"The Auckland Council will have the powers and responsiblities of a regional council and terrotorial authority, and will hold all council assets and employ all staff," says Salmon.
The report proposes the new Auckland Council has one mayor, who is elected by Aucklanders, one deputy mayor and committee chairpersons. It says the council should have 23 councillors.
It says there should also be six urban and rural councils, known as local councils, to serve local communities, alongside the Auckland Council which will take care of the big picture from Wellsford to Pukekoke. The six local councils would cover Rodney, Hunua, Manukau, Waitemata, Waitakere and Tamaki Makaurau.
Waiheke and Great Barrier islands get to keep their current community boards while the CBD is split off to aid projects like the waterfront development.
"There will be one long term community plan, one spatial plan, one district plan, one rating system, one rates bill, and very importantly, one voice for Auckland," says Salmon.
Local Government Minister Rodney Hide has some reservations over the proposals to merge all of Auckland's councils.
Hide says he can see the merit in have one Auckland organisation, however he says he is concerned about whether the proposal provides for adequate representation from local communities.
Hide says the government hopes to announce its response to the report within two weeks.
The Auckland Regional Council supports the overall thrust of the report and says it is very much in line with the ARC submission.
But ARC chairman Mike Lee fears the devil might be in the detail.
"From my first impressions, I do have some real concerns about the idea that councillors might be elected at large from a constituency of a million people.
Lee says change is needed in structure and culture to bring about improvements that will benefit the ratepayer.
He says the recommendations should ensure local government in Auckland is more co-ordinated.
"We are very keen to work with the government to ensure those changes are implemented successfully, and that they support the growth and development of the Auckland region."
The Public Service Association is pleased all Auckland local government staff will be retained until the next local government election in 2010.
"Our message to the government, as it considers its response to the report, is that it must ensure the ongoing retention of a skilled and experienced local government workforce," National Secretary Richard Wagstaff says.
PM thanks Auckland Royal Commissioners
The Prime Minister has thanked the three members of the Royal Commission on Auckland Governance.
"For New Zealand to grow and prosper, it's critically important we get the governance structure of our largest metropolitan area right," John Key says.
The Prime Minister says the government has moved quickly to release the report because of strong public interest in Auckland, and around New Zealand.
He says inevitably the report will foster a degree of community debate, which the government welcomes.
"We are working on this as a matter of priority because preparations need to be underway within weeks if the Auckland region is to be operating under a new governance structure in time for local body elections in 2010."
Do you agree with the Royal Commission's recommendation? Have your say on the message board 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