Bold plan for the Auckland region

From City Scene, published on 27 April, 2008

A single city supported by effective neighbourhood boards is advocated in Auckland City Council's submission to the Royal Commission on Auckland Governance.

"This structure would provide strategic regional leadership, speak with one clear voice for the region, and be accountable at the local level," says Mayor of Auckland city, Hon. John Banks. "Our submission proposes a bold plan for the region," he says. "For too long, Auckland's potential has been held back by fragmented, often contradictory, decision-making across the region."

The proposal has a number of features that will allow Auckland citizens to be actively involved in local decision-making and representation. Neighbourhood boards, community constituency offices, neighbourhood advocates and a neighbourhood plan, provide choice and opportunity for people to engage in local issues and decisions. Chairperson of the council's Regional Governance Committee Deputy Mayor David Hay says, "We believe the submission gives Auckland the best foundation for the future."

The council's submission included a regional spatial plan for a long-term view of Auckland's future that would overcome present, short-term disparate planning across the region. The council's proposal also advocates a neighbourhood plan to provide greater certainty around local spending, planning and improvements.

You can view the council's submission - People and place building: mapping out the future governance of the Auckland region, online and at the council's libraries.

Public hearings for the royal commission will be held across Auckland in May and June, with the commission due to report to central government on 1 December.