Regional governance - draft proposal

From City Scene, published on 13 April, 2008

More detail about local involvement in local governance will be included in the council's draft submission to the Royal Commission on Auckland Governance.

This additional information, along with feedback from public and stakeholder consultation the council has been conducting, will inform the council's final submission on regional governance to be considered by the full council on 17 April.

Auckland City Council is also conducting research with residents and ratepayers on issues of local decision-making, local governance and community leadership. This will allow the council to better understand the current views and future aspirations for neighbourhood engagement.

Deputy Mayor David Hay says, "The council wants to see long-lasting change to Auckland's governance and stronger links between local government and local people.

"History shows us that maintaining the status quo or tinkering around the edges will not achieve the outcomes required by the region," he says.

"Our proposal of a neighbourhood-based councillor - with stronger staff support, funding for community liaison and a dedicated office - will enable people to engage in ways that are not currently happening under the present structure."

People are invited to comment on the council's draft submission by visiting the website or your local community library.