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

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Shawn Hollister

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