Neighbours meet to discuss super Auckland plans

The local authority leaders of Auckland’s neighbours have met to work through some of the initial implications of plans to super size the city.

Northland Regional Council Chairman Mark Farnsworth confirmed today he had this week met with his Waikato, Bay of Plenty and Auckland counterparts to consider the recommendations of the Royal Commission into Auckland’s governance.

Mr Farnsworth says while the Government has yet to deliver its verdict on the possible implementation of the Commission’s recommendations, Auckland’s neighbours are keenly interested in the possible advantages – and challenges – a super city could create.

“As expected, we’re all studying the Royal Commission’s recommendations closely to see how they will impact on our regions - both individually and collectively.”

“Northland in particular is in a unique position because we are effectively landlocked by Auckland and the city already has a big influence on things like our roading and the security of our electricity supply.”

Mr Farnsworth says while he welcomes many of Commission’s recommendations – and believes they could be ultimately applied to Northland - he wants to ensure super-sizing Auckland does not unduly disadvantage its neighbours.

“To that end, the Waikato, Bay of Plenty and Auckland Regional Councils are determined to work collectively with the Government to ensure the Auckland model succeeds.”