“The new Auckland structure is too important not to get right and, at the moment, it is not right,” says Mr Brown.
“The Royal Commission’s recommendations were well thought out, and provided the way for communities to be involved in local issues and local democracy through the six local councils operating below the Auckland Council.
“The system the Government adopted removes that.
“He also says they are too small to provide local services and to engage effectively with the new Auckland Council, which will result in the council acting locally instead of regionally.”
Mr Brown has also taken a swipe at Rodney Hide, the Minister of Local Government.
“Mr Hide says he wants to be known as the ‘minister for ratepayers’,” says Mr Brown. “Instead of sticking rigidly to the Government’s decision around 20 to 30 local boards, I’m sure ratepayers would prefer he acted on their behalf and provided them with a system which gives them strong representation on local issues and the ability to deliver locally.”
The mayor has re-iterated his support for the Royal Commission.
“It consulted widely and then produced its report, and it provided a decent basis for a new city.
“The Government ignored key details and has come up with a structure that denies communities a voice.”
The bottom line for Mr Brown is that, “Aucklanders deserve a new structure that will work for them”.
“The Government has said it will listen to Auckland through the select committee process, and I encourage our communities to ensure their voices are heard.”
