Single big city concept welcomed

The Employers and Manufacturers Association welcomes the concept of the Auckland region being governed as a single city region, and with a mayor with enhanced authority as reported in today’s Herald.

But EMA’s chief executive Alasdair Thompson said it was equally important for the big city’s council to be balanced and represented at smaller, local council level.

“A single council for the region is needed to plan and manage all the big infrastructure issues, with local small councils needed to keep the local in local government,” Mr Thompson said.

“The five major areas that the region’s one big city needs to address are:

· Regional transport

· Water services – water supply, storm water and waste water

· Economic development

· Regional parks

· Regulation

“But local councils are needed too to take responsibility for local amenities such as libraries, local roads and footpaths, swimming pools and the like as decided by their communities.

“We note the Royal Commission wants the reformed city to have a greater role in addressing social needs such as affordable housing.

“We endorse this too, provided the funding of initiatives in these areas remains the role of central government.

“A revamped and strong single city for the Auckland region should be a powerful advocate in addressing social issues, and for example in making provision for them in planning and land use.

“But we do not want the city duplicating the role of central government. The government collects general taxes for these purposes, and they should not be funded from rates or property taxes.

“We are keenly awaiting the Commission’s full report.”