Richard Worth
National Party Associate Local Government (Auckland) Spokesman

8 September 2006

No place for self-preservation in Auckland restructuring

It is inappropriate for the Auckland region mayors to foist their views on the future structure of Auckland on the people and give themselves extended tenure in the process, says National’s Local Government (Auckland) spokesman, Richard Worth.

“Major constitutional change should reflect a mandate from the people. That has not happened here,” says Dr Worth.

“Worse, the so-called Minister for Auckland Issues, Judith Tizard, is set to return to the regional body that she left in September 1991.”

Dr Worth says there are two core issues confronting the Auckland region:

- The precarious state of Auckland’s infrastructure, including the road network, effective public transport, security of energy supply, and restructuring of water delivery services.

- Issues of governance, which are secondary to strengthening critical elements of infrastructure.

“National has a Member’s Bill in the ballot that will let Aucklanders decide whether the current local government structure is right for the city.

“It establishes a taskforce that would develop a plan to reform local government in greater Auckland. The proposal would be put to a referendum during the 2007 local authority elections.

“A self-appointed group that ignores prevailing public opinion acts at its peril.

“The scheme put up by the mayors has all the hallmarks of being prepared in collusion with the Government. Its only saving grace is that it may be the catalyst for meaningful reform as a result of the anger ratepayers will no doubt feel about it.”

ENDS

© Scoop Media