Royal Commission on Auckland Governance

Mayor's message

Mayor John Banks

Positive, progressive change

The Royal Commission has begun its work to assess local and regional governance requirements for Auckland and we want to see bold, long-lasting change. The commission will submit a report to the government in December.

As a result, it is likely that the face of Auckland governance as we know it will change.

Currently in the Auckland region there are:

eight local authorities
seven mayors
one chairman
30 community boards
eight separate bodies to collect rates
seven building control authorities
12 water operators
18 transport agencies
14 administration systems.

We believe change must result in more effective and efficient governance for Auckland which means reducing costs, improving regional governance while respecting and preserving local democracy.

Maintaining the status quo or tinkering around the edges will not achieve the sort of outcome Auckland and New Zealand need to be desirable places to work, live and visit, and compete in the global marketplace.

We want our submission to the Royal Commission to focus on giving Auckland the best foundations for the future.

This council wants to put the plans in place to make positive, progressive change in the city.

Mayor Hon. John Banks QSO

Published March 2008