Speech to Waitakere Enterprise Business Breakfast

Good morning. Mayor Bob Harvey, Members of Parliament, Waitakere Trust members and guests, it's great to be out west.  This morning I have been asked to talk about Auckland governance.

As an Aucklander I am passionate about this city.  The natural beauty, diversity and get up and go in this city is amazing. It's a great place to live.

My commitment to this city drives my current mission to enable Auckland to reach its full potential and become even greater than it already is.  

Auckland's problems are well understood - the result of decades of poor planning, factionalism, weak accountability and a lack of will and vision at a regional level.  So it is very exciting to be involved in developing the solution.

Auckland's future depends on critical decisions being taken at a regional level.  I believe that the critical decision-making must be supported by region-wide governance arrangements to overcome the competing interests, parochialism and factionalism that has held the region back for so long.

The Auckland Council as a unitary authority will be the centrepiece of change in the governance arrangements.

The new council will represent the interests of the entire Auckland region and foster a common identity and purpose across the region.

The proposed changes will result in greater efficiencies through less duplication and waste, and faster progress on issues like poor transport and infrastructure planning.

We are proposing that the new Auckland Council own all assets and employ all staff, and be responsible for regional infrastructure.

A new unified Auckland Council will consolidate and streamline services such as administration and office systems, finance, human resources, information technology, and delivery of services. Each council currently operates its own systems, so there are savings to be made here.

There will at last be an integrated approach to planning - a single long-term council community plan (LTCPP) for the whole Auckland region. The LTCPP will be given effect to in a statutory Regional Infrastructure Investment Plan and an Auckland Spatial Plan. 

The new Auckland Council will develop one set of financial plans and policies for the region. 

A new unified rating system will be developed and progressively implemented as part of a new planning and budgeting cycle from 2012.  This means one rates bill for all Auckland ratepayers and that's got to be a good thing.

The Council will also be responsible for decision-making, funding and implementation of regional infrastructure such as parks, museums, libraries, and recreational facilities as well as events, roading and transport delivery.

This will ensure that regionalised decision makers make decisions on regional infrastructure without the constraints and burden of another layer of bureaucracy.

We will then get integrated, strategic decisions that are consistent with the needs of transport, urban development and other infrastructure, under a coherent framework for the whole of the Auckland region.

This framework is crucial for Auckland's future.

Transport will benefit from this more integrated, strategic approach. Consolidation of all local authority transport functions into a single entity will overcome many of the problems of fragmented decision-making, poor planning, unclear responsibilities and inadequate responsibility.

We appreciate that there are a range of views on the value of a Regional Transport Authority. These issues are complex and need further consideration before final decisions are made.

My vision is for an Auckland where citizens can confidently use an integrated public transport system that is seamless, efficient, affordable and environmentally friendly.

A system where people in Waitakere can travel relatively quickly and easily to the eastern suburbs or South Auckland and back.

The proposed second tier of governance will see the establishment of twenty to thirty local boards across the Auckland region.

Auckland is a metropolitan centre with diverse communities and it is important that these distinct communities are represented at a grassroots level, and that individuals have a voice.

That's why we want the local boards to have a meaningful role in making local decisions.

We don't want to see the Auckland Mayor and council diverted from their regional focus by being tangled up on issues that could best be handled locally.

The local boards will advocate for their communities and contribute to the Auckland Council's plans.  The boards will develop local operational policies for their communities, for example liquor licensing.  Importantly, the boards will have the power to petition the Auckland Council for extra services their community might want.

The only constraint is that local board decision-making should not undermine regional decision-making.

Under the proposed model local boards will not have responsibility for hiring staff or raising revenue.  The Government's proposed model is to have one administration supporting both the Auckland Council and local boards.

As you will no doubt be aware, a range of views about the nature and function of local boards were reflected in the submissions to the Select Committee.  The Committee is now considering the submissions and will report back in a few weeks.

Another important driver of change is the need for more effective central government engagement with Auckland local government.  This relationship needs improving.  Open and constructive engagement is essential.

If we can get a governance structure that enhances the productivity and competitiveness of Auckland's businesses then we are well on the way to helping Auckland perform well as the engine for New Zealand's economic growth and prosperity.

We need to be firmly focused on maximising economic development, tourism and events.

There has been some criticism of the pace of change, but the reality is that we need to get ready for next year's local body elections.  Auckland, and New Zealand as a whole, cannot afford to wait until 2013. 

The Government is acting deliberately but carefully, firmly focussed on ensuring the new governance arrangements are in place for the October 2010 elections.  The short transition period is important to minimise uncertainty and disruption for council staff and the public. 

The Local Government (Tamaki Makaurau Reorganisation) Act 2009 was passed under urgency in May. Urgency was required to ensure the Auckland Transition Authority (ATA) could be set up and start its important work establishing the new governance structures and getting the transition process underway. 

The ATA has a huge task.  It is creating the new council and local board; managing organisational change affecting over 6,000 current staff; ensuring the ongoing delivery of services; the continued momentum of key projects; and keeping everyone informed and engaged.

ATA has been established to devise, implement and manage the transition to the new local governance arrangements for Auckland by October 2010 - the time of the next local body elections.

I am very confident that the Auckland Transition Agency, headed by Mark Ford will get the job done. Mr Ford is an experienced businessman and has a strong understanding of Auckland governance as well as a proven record in managing complex situations.

I am pleased to have him steering the ship, with an impressive board and staff to back him up.

In summary I want to see an Auckland that celebrates its diversity under a unified banner. 

We want the many and varied voices and communities that comprise Auckland to have a clear and significant role in its future.

It's the economic, social and cultural diversity of Auckland that makes it strong and exciting.

As I said earlier, final decisions have yet to be made.

Significant effort has been made to keep Aucklanders well informed of progress and to invite input into ongoing decision-making.

Government Ministers have engaged extensively with the public over the past few months. The Special Select Committee on Auckland Governance considered about 2,500 public submissions throughout July. It will report back in the next few weeks and from there decisions will be made.

Another piece of legislation will be introduced into Parliament in November.

It will provide for the ongoing governance structure and detailed framework for governance arrangements. There will be a full select committee process for this Bill.

I am approaching the work on Auckland with one simple goal. And that is "making Auckland better."

I am really encouraged with the progress to date. There is a lot of work ahead and some big challenges to overcome.  But with the will and determination to see a better Auckland we will get there.

Waitakere people have contributed many good ideas and I hope will continue to do so.  It is important that organisations like yours share your views and ensure your voice is heard.

I am very happy to hear from you now, and to answer any questions you have.

Thank you again for the opportunity to talk with you today.

ends