MEDIA ADVISORY

North Shore City Council, at its meeting last Friday [June 29], passed the following resolutions relating to Auckland Regional Governance.

1. That the Council notes the proposed model for strengthening regional governance as described in the Final Report dated 22 June 2007, but repeats its concern that a number of elements within the proposal lack sufficient detail and clarity for full understanding of the implications of what is actually proposed. This lack of detail and clarity limits Council's ability to determine the potential impact on regional and local responsibilities and accountabilities.

2. The elements that Council believes need greater detail and clarity include:

* The One Plan itself, including nature, scope and commitments.

* Regional facilities - This includes: the relationship between facilities deemed to be regional and those deemed to be local; the issue of funding of regional facilities and the impact of such funding on local facilities and local communities; the issues around the different current ownership structures; and also impacts that may emerge in relation to regional versus local events.

* Regionally significant (major) events management, including the question of where funding of the upgrade of Eden Park fits within this.

* The regional entity for urban development or renewal projects, including the regulatory framework within which it carries out projects.

* Funding tools and envelopes

* Impacts on local communities and accountabilities

* The relationship between National Policy statements, regional strategies and our city strategies and District Plan.

3. That these elements become the focus of the next phase of work so that effective public consultation can subsequently be carried out, following which all parties are in a better position to evaluate the proposal.

4. That when the further work has been completed and meaningful consultation undertaken with communities, all parties will be in a better position to make informed decisions in accordance with the decision-making provisions in the Local Government Act 2002, including the Significance Policy requirements.

5. That the Council request that the Regional Political Reference Group be reconvened to discuss these matters further.

6. That the Government be told that the proposed timetable is unacceptable and unworkable.

7. That North Shore City Council advise our local Members of Parliament of the Council's position, with urgency, and that face-to-face meetings be held with the NSCC Political Reference Group and the North Shore Members of Parliament.

ENDS

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