Manukau mayor disappointed with Auckland recommendations

Mayor of Manukau, Len Brown, says the recommendations from the Royal Commission’s Inquiry into Auckland Governance are significant and whilst they provide opportunities for the region, some of the recommendations are disappointing for Manukau.

“The creation of a one unitary Auckland Council, six local councils and three community boards is in effect the creation of a super city with subsidiaries,” says Mr Brown.

“An Auckland council, will have the powers of a unitary council including the appointment of all staff, providing funding to the local councils and taking responsibility for regional planning and infrastructure.

“This means the commission is taking away the control of local councils to provide for local communities.

“We can only hope that the government realises that these recommendations may not be in the best interest of the people who live in this region, and does not adopt them without sufficient input from local councils or reflect the diverse needs of our residents.

Mr Brown says Manukau City Council will take time to analyse the commission’s significant recommendations and changes and feedback its response to the government.

“There is no doubt there is a mood for change, but we have got to get this right,” he says. “The Auckland region is the powerhouse of New Zealand and if we get it wrong, then the national economy could suffer as a result.

“What’s more, whatever happens to local government in Auckland is likely to be replicated around the country. It is in everyone’s best interests for the changes to be positive and the consequences well thought out.”

Mr Brown says that during a time of change, it is essential that the daily business of local government continues without affecting residents and ratepayers.

“This is going to be an extremely difficult time for staff in local government not only in Manukau but all over the Auckland region. It will also be an unsettling time for the thousands of contractors, stakeholders and community groups which rely on local government for work and/or support.

“We need to make sure that the services we provide continue to be to a high standard. And we also need to continue to engage with our residents and ratepayers through consultation of our 10 year plan.

“Decisions made during this consultative process could have an effect on our city for years to come.”

Mr Brown says he is hopeful that the government will provide its response to the commission’s recommendations soon.