Regional governance report

From City Scene, published on 22 March, 2009.

Across Auckland people are awaiting the announcement of the Royal Commission's report into Auckland's governance, including Auckland City Council. The commission is due to report its findings to central government on 31 March.

Deputy Mayor David Hay, chairperson of the council's Regional Governance Committee, said, "We wholeheartedly welcome the review of regional governance."

"For too long Auckland's potential, and New Zealand's growth, has been held back by fragmented and often contradictory decision-making at Auckland's local government level. Our submission to the Royal Commission on Auckland's local governance proposed a bold plan for the region, supporting amalgamation and co-ordination of the region's services, while maintaining strong, local identities.

"We now await the government's response to the commission's recommendations, expected soon after 31 March.

"The council is well placed to assist in implementing changes in governance and looks forward to working with its partners to affect these changes.

"In the meantime, the council is aware that people may be concerned about continuity of service. We want to assure people that we will continue in our commitment to deliver day-to-day services to ratepayers and our longer term plans for the city, until such time that more definite plans are made.

"We will be making every effort to keep our residents and ratepayers informed of the announcements and changes as soon as possible.

"We would urge people to check Auckland City Council and Royal Commission on Auckland Governance's websites for up-to-date, official, factual information and read City Scene for further coverage," he says.