Brown says Government not ratepayers should foot Supercity costs

Manukau City Mayor Len Brown said tomorrow’s Budget should include provision to cover much of the costs of Auckland’s amalgamation into a single city structure.

“Over the next two years, Auckland faces considerable costs eight different councils and a number of other organisations into a single body. The costs for this will be substantial.

“The government has told Auckland that there will be savings from the amalgamation, yet they also tell us there are no costings for their proposal.

“Having observed previous amalgamations, I am wary of the government’s claims of savings, and believe many Manukau ratepayers, along with ratepayers from throughout the region, may face the prospect of major rate increases.

“The information technology bill – which is just one aspect of the amalgamation – will be substantial.
The new body has to move to an integrated computer system which can combine all the information held by the eight councils. Anyone with experience of past major IT projects – remember the Police INCIS project – knows the complexity of the challenge.

“Aucklanders will be paying considerable costs, but should not foot the bill alone. The government is the main driver of the single-city project. It says it is in New Zealand’s interests to push through this amalgamation and I agree. But if there is a bill to pay – as we believe there will be – central government should carry a good share of the burden.

“We will be watching the Budget with interest to see what sort of support the government will put in place for the super city project. Building the new structure is a difficult enough challenge for Auckland without also lumbering the region’s ratepayers with all the associated costs.”