Function of Auckland's 21 Local Boards needs clarifying ASAP

Confirmation that the new Auckland Council will have 170 elected politicians representing 21 Local Boards, 13 wards and an executive mayor reinforces the case for their functions and responsibilities to be clearly spelt out in legislation, said Auckland Chamber of Commerce head Michael Barnett.

Commenting on the final make up of new Auckland Council boundaries and representation arrangements unveiled today, Mr Barnett said it would be pointless to spend time and money electing 149 local board members, 20 ward councillors and a mayor at local government elections this October, if they don’t have a clear brief of their role and responsibilities.

The reason for reforming Auckland local governance will be undermined if the framework of relationship and roles is not clearly established between the executive Mayor, 20 Ward politicians making up the governing council, the 21 elected local boards and the seven council-controlled organisations (CCOs) who will deliver most of the services.

“There is a huge potential for local board politicians, the Mayor and Auckland Councillors and CCOs to be tripping over each other if respective roles and responsibilities are not clearly locked down,” warned Mr Barnett.

Overall the final determinations of the Local Government Commission satisfied a number of concerns of the Auckland Chamber. Representation arrangements had been adjusted to better reflect clear communities of interest, and the split of the previously large single Orakei – Maungakiekie Ward stretching from Mission Bay to Onehunga into two wards made huge sense.

“Our concern now must be to deliver a new governance structure that delivers on the real expectations of Aucklanders - lower rates, better service delivery, and end to feuding and most of all a Council structure that delivers decisive action to address the big issues facing Auckland.”

“We owe it to ourselves to get this opportunity right. It will be unforgiveable to accept mediocrity and Auckland’s battles with itself to be allowed to continue in the new system,” said Mr Barnett.