The Mapp Report
www.waynemapp.co.nz
Auckland Governance Royal Commission
The announcement of a Royal Commission on Auckland governance has been welcomed by everyone with an interest in how best
to govern Auckland.
Range of options
The two reports, one by local government, and the proposal for a single city by the Employers and Manufacturers'
Association led to this outcome. There had to be a way for a considered approach to the full range of options, and an
effective means for public input. Commissions of Inquiry are often used by government to solve problems which require
this approach.
National will need to act promptly
The report time frame, although clearly looking like it is intended to put the issue past the 2008 election, also means
that a new National government will have to act promptly in 2009 to set up the new structure. It is quite unimaginable
that the status quo will be retained.
Possible new structure
The new structure will be expected to endure for many decades so, whatever the solution, it needs to be right. There
seems to be three clear options:
* A single city with community boards;
* A three city model with a strengthened ARC;
* A joint approach to the network issues, so that transport, water and planning across the region are centralised.
It is also possible a combination of the above could be used.
Royal Commission timing
The Royal Commission terms of reference are yet to be established, and people to fill the role of Commissioner have yet
to be approached. They need to be people who have knowledge of our city, and its potential. The Commission is expected
to take around 15 months to do its work.
The public and interested groups need to have the opportunity to make submissions and the time to produce high quality
work. The public and interest groups will need to be heard. That leads to the likelihood of submissions by the end of
February 2008, hearings from March to May, independent research by the Commission and a report around November 2008.
Serious thinking required now
People with an interest will need to do their serious thinking now. Some are already well down that track, others have
only started. We will now all have the opportunity to make our views heard and considered.
3 August 2007
Events
Sunday
19 August 6pm
Movie Evening
Hosted by North Shore & Northcote electorates
"Waitress", Bridgeway Theatre, Northcote
RSVP to Valerie, ph 486 0005
Monday
20 August
7.30pm
Public Meeting -"Auckland Issues"
Dr Wayne Mapp
Mary Thomas Centre, Takapuna
Dr Wayne Mapp
For more information on National visit www.national.org.nz
To join the conversation with John Key visit www.johnkey.co.nz
Visit my website for more information at: www.waynemapp.co.nz
ENDS