On 29 April 2010 a Bill to amend the Local Government Act 2002 was introduced to Parliament. The Bill implements Cabinet’s decisions on a package of reforms to improve the transparency, accountability and financial management of local government.

View a copy of the Bill here: Local Government Act 2002 Amendment Bill (www.legislation.govt.nz)

See also: Decisions for better transparency, accountability and financial management of local government – the Local Government Act 2002 Amendment Bill (.pdf) 160k, a paper summarising the Bill’s provisions, 29 April 2010 (www.dia.govt.nz)

For more information see: Local government transparency, accountability and financial management (www.dia.govt.nz)

Auckland City boundary determinations released

General News | 11/03/2010

The Local Government Commission has released its determinations on the wards, local boards and boundaries for the new Auckland Council, along with consequential transition issues.

Discussion Document on Local Boards released for consultation

General News | 26/02/2010

The Auckland Transition Agency (ATA) has released a discussion document on the role of local boards in the new Auckland Council’s governance arrangements.

The 53-page discussion document is issued for feedback by Friday March 26.

View the discussion document at: www.discussiondocuments.co.nz

More Cabinet decisions on Auckland governance released

General News | 03/12/2009

The Minister of Local Government has directed the Department of Internal Affairs to post further Cabinet papers and minutes on the Government's decisions in response to the Royal Commission on Auckland Governance on its website. These papers are released consistent with the Official Information Act 1982.

Read more and download the briefing/papers on the Department of Internal Affairs website.

Proposals for Wards, Local Boards and Boundaries for Auckland

General News | 20/11/2009

The Local Government Commission has released its proposals on the boundaries and representation arrangements for the new Auckland Council. The Commission is now seeking feedback on its proposals and inviting suggestions that will improve the proposed arrangements. read more (Local Government Commission website)

Government Decisions on Auckland Governance: Water Issues

General News | 05/11/2009

The Minister of Local Government has directed the Department of Internal Affairs to post Cabinet papers and minutes on the Government's decisions on 'Auckland Governance: Water Issues' on its website. These papers are released consistent with the Official Information Act 1982.

Read more and download the Cabinet papers on the Department of Internal Affairs website.

Local Government (Auckland Council) Act 2009 Passed

General News | 08/10/2009

The Local Government (Auckland Council) Act 2009 has been passed by Parliament. The Act continues the process of the transition of the eight existing councils in the Auckland region into one Auckland Council. This includes establishing the Council as a unitary authority, providing a two-tier governance structure for the new Council, giving direction and powers for the Local Government Commission, and ensuring that the decision-making roles of the two tiers of the Council are allocated according to clear principles.

Download a Fact Sheet (PDF, 100KB) detailing the principle points of the Act.

The Local Government Commission will determine the boundaries of Auckland, the boundaries of the wards of Auckland, and the number, names and boundaries of each local board area.

Further legislation

A third Auckland governance Bill will be introduced later in 2009. The Bill will:

complete the legislative framework for on-going governance arrangements in Auckland (by amending what will then be the Local Government (Auckland Council) Act 2009, and other legislation);
amend the Local Government (Tamaki Makaurau Reorganisation) Act 2009, and possibly other legislation, to make further and full provision for the establishment of the Auckland Council and dissolution of existing Auckland local authorities on 1 November 2010; and
make such provision as is necessary for the interim operation of the Auckland Council from 1 November 2010, pending it developing its own LTCCP, rating and financial policies, RMA plans and policies.

The Select Committee will make arrangements for a public submission process once the Bill is referred to it from the House. Details of the Select Committee arrangements will appear on the Parliamentary website later this year.

New local government structure for Auckland moving closer

Media Release | 30/09/2009

The Local Government Commission has commenced work on the new governance structure for Auckland. The work needs to be completed by 1 March next year in preparation for the elections later in the year.

Sue Piper, chairperson of the Local Government Commission says the Commission is gathering information for developing proposals on Auckland Council boundaries and ward and local board boundaries. The recently passed Local Government (Auckland Council) Act requires the Commission to develop proposals for the Auckland Council southern boundary and the number, boundaries and names of the council wards and local boards.

“The Commission is presently meeting with the existing eight Auckland councils and a range of community groups from across the region. This work will form the basis for the next phase of work which involves the Commission developing proposals for consultation.”

Sue Piper says draft proposals will be released on 20 November for three weeks consultation. The proposals will then be reviewed early next year with a final determination by 1 March 2010.

“The Local Government Commission is looking forward to working with the councils and local communities and organisations over the next few months. We have a challenging timetable but we are totally committed to ensuring all interested parties have an opportunity to express their views prior to considering and announcing our final decisions,” says Sue Piper.

Further details about the process for Auckland governance and general information about the Local Government Commission are available from our website at www.lgc.govt.nz

ends

Media Contact

Shawn Hollister

Senior Communications Advisor, Phone 04 495 7298, mobile 027 255 9389

e-mail: shawn.hollister@dia.govt.nz

Report released on Auckland Governance Bill

General News | 04/09/2009

Parliament's Auckland Governance Legislation Committee has released its report on the Local Government (Auckland Council) Bill.

More Decisions in Response to the Royal Commission on Auckland Governance

General News | 25/08/2009

Read more and download the briefing/papers on the Department of Internal Affairs website.

Select Committee Submissions Under Consideration

General News | 30/06/2009

The Auckland Governance Legislation Select committee has received submissions from the public on the Local Government (Auckland Council) Bill. Key matters under consideration include representation issues and local boundaries. The Select Committee will hold hearings on submissions in July and August.

You can read the Bill and see who the members of the Committee are here: Auckland Governance Legislation.

You can find out how to make a submission here: Local Government (Auckland Council) Bill.

Cabinet briefing papers can be found on the Department of Internal Affairs website: Government Decisions in Response to the Royal Commission on Auckland Governance.

Select Committee Submissions Due by June 26

General News | 03/06/2009

The Auckland Governance Legislation Select committee has called for submissions by June 26, 2009. Key matters under consideration include representation issues and local boundaries. You can read the Bill and see who the members of the Committee are here: Auckland Governance Legislation.

You can find out how to make a submission here: Local Government (Auckland Council) Bill.

Cabinet briefing papers can be found on the Department of Internal Affairs website: Government Decisions in Response to the Royal Commission on Auckland Governance.

Mark Ford to lead Auckland Transition Agency

Media Release | 22/05/2009

Local Government Minister Rodney Hide today announced that Mark Ford would chair the Auckland Transition Agency (ATA).

The Agency will manage the transition from the existing seven territorial authorities and one regional council, to a single unitary authority for Auckland and 20 to 30 Local Boards. ATA has six main areas to manage. They are:

1. The creation of the Auckland Council and the Local Boards

2. Managing the organisational changes

3. Ensuring continued delivery of councils’ and Council Controlled Organisations’ responsibilities

4. Continued momentum of key projects such as the Rugby World Cup and waterfront development

5. Ensuring the transition process is well communicated to stakeholders

6. Winding up existing organisations once the new organisation has been established

Mr Hide also announced that the other members of the Auckland Transition Agency were Miriam Dean QC, John Law, Wayne Walden and John Waller. The appointments are effective immediately.

“I am very pleased to be able to announce a transition agency of this calibre,” Mr Hide said. “Mr Ford is highly respected in his present leadership roles as Chief Executive of Watercare Services Ltd and Chair of the Auckland Regional Transport Authority (ARTA). He has a strong understanding of Auckland governance and a proven record in managing complex situations and leading high performing teams. To manage any perception of a conflict of interest, Mr Ford is to resign from his present positions with Watercare and ARTA.

“This is the most demanding and important corporate assignment in New Zealand. That is why we’ve chosen someone of Mr Ford’s calibre and appointed him as Executive Chairman to ensure he has the powers to fulfil his role effectively.”

Mr Hide said Miriam Dean, John Waller, John Law and Wayne Walden are also well known for their strong governance and management acumen and experience.

“Their combined skills and strengths will play a vital part in developing the new governance structures and roles to manage the $28 billion of assets effectively and enable Auckland to realise its powerful potential.

“Its work is essential if Aucklanders are to be in a position to elect the members of the Auckland Council and the Local Boards in the October 2010 local government elections.”

The Transition Agency is a statutory entity and will only exist until the Auckland Council comes into existence in 2010.

Auckland Transition Agency members

Mark Ford (Executive Chair)

CEO of Watercare Services Ltd since 1994 and Chairman of the Auckland Regional Transport Authority since 2007. Previous roles have included CEO of Auckland Regional Services Trust and CEO of NZ Forestry Corporation.

Miriam Dean

Extensive legal experience, appointed Queen’s Counsel in 2004. An experienced mediator and arbitrator with strong governance experience.

John Waller

Chartered accountant with change management expertise. Chairman of the Bank of New Zealand and adviser on many successful restructurings.

John Law

Extensive Auckland region local government experience, including seven years as Mayor of Rodney District Council (2001-07).

Wayne Walden

Experienced company director and manager, with extensive governance experience. Former Chair of Maori Television (2003-08). Affiliated to Ngati Kahu and Tai Tokerau.

Auckland Social Policy Forum builds community connections

Media Release | 04/05/2009

The social wellbeing of the country's largest city will be improved by a new Auckland Social Policy Forum, says the Minister for Social Development and Employment Paula Bennett.

The new forum, approved by Cabinet today, will ensure communities, central and local government work together to address social issues in Auckland.

It will comprise the Minister for Social Development and Employment as Chair, the Mayor of Auckland Council and Chairs of relevant Auckland Council Committees, as well as select representation from Local Boards.

Ms Bennett says poor social outcomes in Auckland compromise the lives of residents, as well as region's economic growth.

"We all have a major part to play in addressing social issues - and I believe the new Forum is the best way to work towards that."

The Forum is part of the National-led Government's response to the Royal Commission on Auckland Governance.

"The Royal Commission considered the amount spent on social issues and other activities with social impacts are poorly co-ordinated and lack a coherent strategy."

The annual social spend by central and local government in the Auckland region is about $12 billion.

"We need to get the best value from this social investment to make sure our people as well as our economy are well placed to take advantage of the economic upswing, when it occurs," Ms Bennett says.

Keeping people informed

General News | 04/05/2009

The government has been working to make sure that the people of Auckland – and the rest of New Zealand – are able to find out about decisions as they happen, and know when there are opportunities to participate in the parliamentary process.

The Department of Internal Affairs has the responsibility for informing people, because it is the central government agency responsible for local government. In doing so it is guided by the Cabinet Manual provisions which state:

“Governments may legitimately use public funds for advertising and publicity to explain their policies, and to inform the public of the government services available to them and of their rights and responsibilities. …government advertising should not be conducted in a manner that results in public funds being used to finance publicity for party political purposes”.

The Department has also noted that the Royal Commission (33.9, "Managing the Transition’) identified the need for a comprehensive communications strategy so that existing council staff and the Auckland public understand and support the changes being made.

What has been done

Since the Royal Commission reported at the end of March, and the Government made its first decisions in response, The Department of Internal Affairs has:

Set up this website www.auckland.govt.nz to provide easy access to information. As of last week, the website had attracted 16,540 visitors since it was launched, and 82,000 page views. It cost $27,000 to establish. On-going costs are met within existing Department of Internal Affairs budgets.
Published a plain-English ‘decisions document’ which outlines what the government has decided to do and compares this with what we have now and what the Royal Commission decided. The document was printed at a cost of $12,000. There have also been hundreds of downloads of this document from the website, and it has been made available from other websites also.
Distributed more than 500,000 copies of a pamphlet, Making Auckland Greater, which summarises decisions and points people to where they can get fuller information. The total cost of production was $59,000. Taxpayers’ money was saved by taking up an offer by the Auckland Regional Council to distribute the pamphlet along with information being sent out in any case, so there was no distribution cost.
Sent email copies of all the decisions material to the 3,500 submitters to the Royal Commission.
Placed advertising in newspapers, bought a small amount of on-line advertising to generate “click through” to the www.auckland.govt.nz site, and placed some advertising on radio to reach a wider audience, including advertising aimed at ethnic populations – for example, Hindi language speakers. The budget for this is $153,000.
Published Cabinet papers (which are considered by Ministers when making decisions).
Replied to many questions sent in through the website or in response to our emails, and (in most cases) published the questions and replied on the www.auckland.govt.nz website
Provided information to the Minister of Local Government as he replies to public correspondence and inquiries
Established 0800 22 78 78 for information on Making Auckland Greater

Total cost

The total cost of public information of communications associated with the government’s response to the Royal Commission recommendations (in addition to normal department costs) is estimated to be $533,000. This includes the costs above and of people brought in to help with organisation of events, the launch of various stages of the government response, production of media kits, writing, design, advice, distribution, and advertising. It’s a normal part of the work of the department of Internal Affairs to support the government in announcing decisions, and in addition to the direct costs noted here, department communications staff have contributed to keeping people informed as part of their normal jobs. The Department of Internal Affairs, like other parts of the Public Service, is working to do “more with less”, and is meeting the cost within its existing budgets under Vote: Local Government.

If you have suggestions about how we can improve our public information on Auckland governance, please email RCinfo@dia.govt.nz

Note: the costs above are GST exclusive.

Links to resources

Making Auckland Greater pamphlet (.pdf) 160 Kb

Newspaper advertising (.pdf) 150kb

Online advertising 1 (.gif) 10kb

Online advertising 2 (.gif) 10kb

Online advertising 3 (.pdf) 150kb

Radio advertising - English language (mp3) 1mb

Radio advertising - Hindi language (mp3) 500 kb

Minister calls for public input into Auckland governance

Media Release | 04/05/2009

Local Government Minister Rodney Hide is calling for New Zealanders to contribute their views on the future of Auckland governance through select committee hearings to be held in Auckland over the next few months.

“I know Aucklanders are passionate about their local communities and their region and we want to hear their views,” Mr Hide said today after a Cabinet meeting to decide the legislative programme for the Government’s proposed structure of Auckland local government.

“The proposed structure of one Auckland Council, with 12 members elected from wards and 8 at large, and 20 to 30 Local Boards, has been designed to ensure good governance for the Auckland region for the next 50 to 100 years,” Mr Hide said.

“As the Royal Commission on Auckland governance highlighted, the existing structures don’t work. The Commission said Auckland’s regional council and seven territorial authorities lacked the collective sense of purpose, constitutional ability, and momentum to address issues effectively for the overall good of Auckland.

“Our proposal will overcome these problems by allowing Auckland’s civic leaders to think regionally, plan strategically and act decisively in a way that has not happened for the past six decades.”
Mr Hide said the Government’s legislative programme for Auckland governance would consist of three separate Bills. The first two Bills will be introduced to Parliament next week and the third Bill will be introduced later in the year.
The first Bill will proceed under urgency and without Select Committee hearings. It will:

establish the Auckland Council as a legal entity;
establish the Auckland Governance Transition Agency (AGTA), responsible for rationalisation and transition to the new governance arrangements; and
constrain the decision-making powers of existing Auckland councils and their subsidiaries.

The second Bill will proceed through a Select Committee process ending in September. It will:

provide for the high level framework for the structure of the Auckland Council – eight members elected at large and 12 members from wards, and 20-30 Local Boards including their high level functions;
empower the Local Government Commission (LGC) to determine the boundaries of the wards of the Auckland Council and the Local Boards, and the Boards and their membership; and
provide for the integration of Auckland’s water infrastructure.

A third Bill will be introduced later this year to provide for the ongoing governance structure, functions, roles and powers of council and local boards, and detailed legislative framework for governance arrangements.

Mr Hide said he wanted people to contribute their views on the composition of the proposed Auckland Council, including the numbers of ward councillors and at large councillors which is currently eight and 12 respectively.

The Government also wants to hear people’s views on the roles of Local Boards. At present it is proposed that the Boards would:

act as an advocate for people in their area;
maintain an overview of services provided by the Auckland Council within their local area;
undertake responsibilities and duties delegated by the Auckland Council;
prepare an annual submission to the Auckland Council for expenditure within its local area;
have input into the regulatory policies and plans of Auckland Council;
have delegations for specific decisions, e.g. swimming pools and libraries;
develop their own policies and plans on some local matters, including dog control and liquor control and assist the Auckland Council to develop regional policies with local variations eg local parks; and
recommend the making of local bylaws under the Local Government Act 2002.

“It’s important that people make their views known to the Government so we get the right structures in place to ensure good governance for the Auckland region well into the future, and also guarantee that local grassroots democracy is preserved and promoted for the benefit of all,” Mr Hide said.

Government Decisions in Response to the Royal Commission on Auckland Governance

General News | 27/04/2009

The Minister of Local Government has directed the Department of Internal Affairs to post Cabinet papers and minutes on the Government's decisions in response to the Royal Commission on Auckland Governance on its website. These papers are released consistent with the Official Information Act 1982.

Some documents are not available for release, and some deletions have been made to these published documents consistent with the provisions of the Official Information Act 1982 (Part 1, Section 9 [2] f, g & h) for the withholding of information. These deletions, which represent a small amount of material, have been made, for example, in relation to legal advice and information on decision-making processes which are not yet complete, such as in relation to the transition from existing councils to the new Auckland Council. It is intended that further documents and information will be made public as they become available for release.

Read more and download the briefing/papers on the Department of Internal Affairs website.

Meeting with Auckland mayors presents a way forward

Media Release | 16/04/2009

Local Government Minister Rodney Hide says his meeting with Auckland civic leaders today was very positive and has given a way forward.

Mr Hide met with Mayors and CEOs of Auckland’s councils to discuss the planned changes to Auckland governance.

He says the success of the meeting will ensure the region’s leaders will be working with the government on the region’s future.

“What’s clear from today is the commitment to going forward with one mayor, one city for Auckland, in a structure which ensures community representation through Local Boards. I am delighted the Mayors and CEOs have committed to working with me and the government to achieve that.”

There will a further meeting between the Minister and the Mayors next week to discuss the transition process.

Watercare to be regional water provider

Media Release | 08/04/2009

The Minister of Local Government today confirmed that the transition to the new structure will result in one regional water company for the Auckland region.

The transition process will result in the new Auckland Council becoming the owner of Watercare Services Ltd, Watercare will assume statutory responsibility for the delivery of integrated water and wastewater services in urban areas, said the Minister of Local Government Hon Rodney Hide.

“This was recommended by the Royal Commission and the Government strongly concurred with this recommendation at the Cabinet meeting on Monday.

“The last remaining substantive decision regarding water and wastewater services provision is whether or not Watercare should also be given responsibility for dealing with regional storm water. I expect a final decision from Cabinet on this matter before the end of the month.

“Watercare is a publicly-owned entity and our intention is that it will remain in public ownership under the umbrella of the new Auckland Council.

“A key driver for the Government’s decisions was to ensure there was better management of regional assets for the Auckland region over the next 50 years,” said Mr Hide.

Representation guaranteed for all Aucklanders

Media Release | 07/04/2009

Local Government Minister Hon Rodney Hide said today the Government’s decisions on the governance of Auckland would provide effective representation for all Aucklanders.

Speaking at the release of the Government’s high-level decisions on Auckland governance, Mr Hide highlighted the decision to establish 20 to 30 Community Boards across the region, each of which would be named after its local community.

The Local Government Commission will determine the exact number of boards and their boundaries, as well as the boundaries of the Auckland Council and its wards. It will report back in April 2010.

“The new system for Auckland governance is much simpler, more co-ordinated and will provide for community representation at grassroots level.The Local Boards will have prescribed roles and functions, but will not replicate the service delivery structures that will be managed by the new Auckland Council, which will replace the existing eight councils.

“The Boards will provide the ability for residents and ratepayers to influence decision making, while the Council will fulfil the functions that are most appropriately managed on a regional basis.

“Whether it be through the Mangere or Henderson Board, the Pukekohe or Papakura Board, the Waiheke or Devonport Board, local communities need to be able to manage local issues and express their identities. That is what makes Auckland special.” Reflecting their geographic position, the smaller communities of Great Barrier and Waiheke Islands will each have Local Board representation.

Mr Hide said the Government had rejected the Royal Commission’s proposal of six local councils
because it would mean unnecessary and costly duplication of service delivery, and be too large to allow effective grassroots community representation. “We now have a simpler, clearer governance structure that provides strong leadership at the regional level and community representation at the local level. This is the foundation stone upon which we will make Auckland a great place to live, and drive New Zealand’s economic growth.

“It is essential the new structure is in place in time for the local body elections in 2010. This means we have chosen to have a faster timetable than the Royal Commission was looking at.

“However I want to reassure Aucklanders that the everyday services they expect from their councils will be maintained while the changes are being made.The new structure will provide room for greater efficiencies through less duplication and waste, as well as faster progress on issues which have gone unresolved for years, such as transport.

“It is imperative that the new Auckland Council focuses on the future of Auckland and how it is going to turn Auckland into an internationally competitive city. The newly-appointed Council should not be distracted or encumbered by having to carry out an organisational restructuring. This will be the responsibility of the Establishment Board which the Government will appoint.

“The Establishment Board will work closely with existing council CEOs throughout the transition process. The councils have committed to a steering group and this will be an important and valuable contributor to the development work. It will also be vital to a smooth transition.

“We need to act decisively if we are to achieve the timetable that will allow the new structure to be established before October next year. This will allow Aucklanders to have their say on whom they want to run their region and represent their communities.”

Auckland Local Governance: Making a great place greater

Media Release | 07/04/2009

The Government has announced high-level decisions on Auckland governance which will see the creation of a unitary Auckland council while protecting and enhancing community representation, says Prime Minister John Key.

“Our plan will allow Auckland’s civic leaders to think regionally, plan strategically and act decisively in a way that has not happened for the past six decades,” Mr Key said.

”All New Zealanders have an interest in the success of the Auckland region, which requires decisive leadership, robust infrastructure, and facilities and services to cater for its people.

“Auckland is an important engine for New Zealand’s economic growth. As such, it must have a simple and effective system for making regional decisions and implementing them smoothly.

“That’s what the new governance structure has been designed to achieve,” Mr Key says.

The Royal Commission on Auckland Governance found many of the things holding the region back related to the way the city was run. It explored problems that get in the way of people’s enjoyment, and sometimes make life difficult such as endlessly increasing rates, suffocating red-tape, transport bottlenecks, delayed development, and lost opportunities.

The Prime Minister says the new governance structure has to serve Auckland’s many local diverse neighbourhoods and its diverse needs.

“The Government has decided on a framework for governing the region which balances the need for elected representatives to be able to think strategically on behalf of the whole region, and for local communities to have a strong voice on issues closer to home.

“We have created a new strengthened entity called Local Boards which will advocate for their local communities.

“The combination of the new Auckland Council and the Local Boards will lead to better connections across the region, better value from rates and central government funding, and community control of what matters in our neighbourhoods.

“The Auckland region must be able to attract and keep people, operate efficiently, offer an unparalleled lifestyle, and enable business, arts, and sports to flourish.

“Auckland’s new governance plan is critical to the rest of New Zealand – because better governance will streamline the Auckland-region’s performance as an important engine room of economic growth. We all need the city region to work better.”

Minister releases report of Royal Commission

Media Release | 27/03/2009

Local Government Minister Rodney Hide today released the Report of the Royal Commission into Auckland Governance. He said the Government wants to make Auckland the most exciting, vibrant metropolitan centre in Australasia.

http://www.beehive.govt.nz/release/minister+releases+report+royal+commission+2

PM thanks Auckland Royal Commissioners

Media Release | 27/03/2009

Prime Minister John Key has thanked the three members of the Royal Commission on Auckland Governance for delivering their report to the Government. He said for New Zealand to grow and prosper, it's critically important to get the governance structure of our largest metropolitan area right.

http://www.beehive.govt.nz/release/pm+thanks+auckland+royal+commissioners