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A lean new management structure has been floated for Auckland's
super city, drawing criticism it will leave the city's assets open
to privatisation.
The proposed line up has been released on the same day as
independent research that reveals public concern over how the super
city will actually work and what it will mean for rates.
Behind every high profile Auckland mayor is a highly paid CEO and
management team, top level staff that will be pared right back when
Auckland becomes a super city.
Monday's discussion document reveals a newly amalgamated Auckland will be overseen by one chief executive who will be supported by a chief operating officer, planner and financial controller.
It's a lean structure that's made one current mayor highly suspicious.
"What we are very fearful of is that in this whole process local government and democracy seems to be forgotten," says Andrew Williams, North Shore City mayor.
Doubts about the move to a super city have also surfaced in independent research.
Local government lawyer Linda O'Reilly says the research shows there are some concerns about the likelihood of upheaval during the implementation process.
Brookfields research also reveals 72% of respondents with a stake in local government expect rates will go up, that the region will initially go backwards, and local council suppliers and contractors will suffer.
"Some of them have all of their business really with local government and quite a few have at least half of their business with local government. So they are very concerned," says O'Reilly.
There's also a high level of concern over the speed of the mammoth amalgamation.
But the Auckland Transition Agency says Auckland is on track to be a super city within the next year.
It says while the discussion document does signal a shake-up for top council brass and backroom workers, frontline staff should be reassured their jobs are safe.
But with so much detail yet to sorted out, Aucklanders remain unconvinced it will be all plain sailing.
