Strengthening Auckland’s Regional Governance

Media Release

Friday 18 May 2007

Regional governance report ready for council feedback

Councils in the Auckland region are preparing to consider the latest report focused on ways of making local government more effective and efficient.

In December last year the eight councils endorsed a proposal that outlined what regional governance in Auckland could look like into the future, and sent it to central government for consideration.

Since then the government and Auckland councils have agreed that a joint process, involving both central and local government, should be undertaken to provide recommendations on how to best advance the issues associated with strengthening governance in the Auckland region.

John Robertson, Chair of the Political Reference Group, says the new report is a refinement and extension on the original proposal sent to Government in December.

“It was agreed that local and central government officials would work jointly to further develop the proposal, with a view to decisions being made by July 2007 which would enable future directions to be signalled to potential candidates prior to the closing of nominations for the 2007 local government elections,” he says.

“The report, which is being sent to all councils and the Government today, has been prepared as a basis for councils and Cabinet to provide further feedback.

“It contains no recommendations, but identifies options which have been developed to further flesh out the December proposal and cover the various views expressed on specific aspects of the proposal through the December resolutions of individual councils.”

The December proposal recommended the creation of a Greater Auckland Council, with an appropriate new name, potentially new directly elected representation arrangements, a broader role and responsibilities, and access to new funding sources.

It also included the establishment of a Regional Sustainable Development Forum as a standing committee of the Greater Auckland Council to develop ‘One Plan’ for the region with the objective of achieving a common vision for the future; an integrated and prioritised set of strategies for regionally significant issues; more alignment between local and central government strategies and funding; improved quality and timeliness of decision-making as well as more certainty around implementation of decisions made.

“Councils will discuss the report at their meetings this month, and liaise with their key stakeholders as appropriate,” says Mr Robertson. “They will then feed back into the process.”

A final report will be submitted to Auckland councils in June 2007 and will be considered by central Government together with council resolutions in July.

Editors Note

(The Political Reference Group comprises the Mayors and Chairman of the Auckland Regional Council, plus one other Councillor from each Council, and provides Council feedback into this process)

The executive summary of the report has been sent to you with this media release. For the full discussion document and further information please visit www.strongerauckland.org.nz

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Strengthening Auckland’s Regional Governance

Media Release

Friday 18 May 2007

Report brings a Stronger Auckland region another step closer

The latest report on strengthening Auckland’s regional governance released today is an indication of the willingness of central and local government to develop a response to the issues facing the Auckland region.

The report focuses on ways to improve Auckland’s ability to exercise regional leadership, and to make changes that contribute to Auckland becoming competitive and sustainable in world terms.

Independent project manager Brian Roche says the report has been developed jointly between all Auckland’s councils and central Government.

“Since this process started last September, we have been working to an extremely tight timeframe. Since March this year, central and local government officials have been developing and refining the proposal,” Mr Roche says.

The Government has also indicated that it will consider changes to legislation.

“The report is going to all councils today to be considered and to provide feedback. “

A final report will be submitted to Auckland councils in June 2007 and will be considered by central Government together with council resolutions in July.

The process to craft a direction for Auckland’s future has of necessity been fluid, based on discussion and development of mutual understanding about what is required, Mr Roche says.

“The councils are also mindful of the need to include public input into the process and are using information already gathered through recent consultation. Once agreement emerges between central, local and regional government as to the likely shape of the final proposal(s) a full assessment will be made as to what further consultation is required.

“The process is being timed to provide signals of future directions to potential candidates for the October 2007 local authority elections.”

In the meantime interested members of the public can access the report and other information on the process for strengthening Auckland’s regional governance at www.strongerauckland.org.nz.

ENDS

Note to media: The proposal referred to in this media release is available from www.strongerauckland.org.nz.

See... Report for Discussion and Feedback (PDF)

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