6th September 2006

Mayors Have No Mandate For Change. On-Auckland Issue Is Smokescreen To Hide Rates Issues.

When the mayors of the four cities of the Auckland region meet with the Prime Minister tomorrow, to put forward their plans for a reorganisation of local councils, they do so without a mandate from either their own councils or the people of the Auckland Region.

With two mayors wanting a SuperCity, another wanting a three-city arrangement, and the fourth not knowing what he wants, all the Prime Minister will get is a confused picture from four confused civic heads.

Adding to the confusion is likely to be a suggestion that the next local body elections due next year should be for five years – ostensibly to have continuity and stability in local government during the build up to – and during – the 2011 Rugby World Cup

The time has certainly come when the role and method of election of mayors is put under scrutiny.

Under the present arrangement the mayor is elected ‘at large’ –by the whole city or district – but has no power to act without the majority support of the council.

If change is needed in Auckland it must be done under existing legislation – and that legislation requires that the public is consulted.

The four mayors have not consulted the public.

This whole ‘One Auckland’ issue has been developed at this time to act as a smokescreen to deflect attention away from the rates issue – which none of the Mayors wish to tackle.

ENDS

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