Royal Commission’s terms reference to the point

The terms of reference for the Royal Commission of Inquiry into Auckland cover precisely the factors that need examining, the Employers & Manufacturers Association (Northern) says.



“The terms of reference say everything we hoped they would,” said Alasdair Thompson, EMA’s chief executive.



“They direct the Inquiry’s Commissioners to report on local government arrangements ‘to maximize, in a cost effective manner, the current and future well being of the region and its communities, and the Auckland region’s contribution to wider national objectives and outcomes.’



“The most favourable outcome for Auckland will be one that serves our region and its numerous communities.



“It will be a local council structure that enables regional decisions to be made at the regional level, and local amenity issues made at a local level.



“We are looking for an Auckland solution to the challenges facing our city and region, not one modeled on a foreign city.”