12. Dr WAYNE MAPP (National—North Shore) Link to this
to the Minister with responsibility for Auckland Issues
Does she prefer the proposal of the political reference group or the One Auckland Plan of four Auckland metro Mayors, of which she said: “I’m impressed with the proposal—one plan, one voice and an agreed direction”, to form the basis of legislation to develop Auckland?
Hon Dr MICHAEL CULLEN (Leader of the House) Link to this
Well, I am certainly one of the Prime Minister’s little helpers on Auckland issues! The member kindly refers to the Minister’s press statement on 8 September 2006, which also said: “I support any move which helps Auckland to become an internationally competitive … city.” In December the four mayors, along with the rest of the political reference group, presented a different proposal. That proposal is now the one under consideration and discussion between the Government and Auckland leaders.
Hon Dr MICHAEL CULLEN Link to this
When the Government has finished its discussions with Auckland leaders and made its decisions.
Is the Government aware that unless it introduces legislation in the next 3 sitting weeks, it will be actually too late to have effective reform for the next local body elections?
Hon Dr MICHAEL CULLEN Link to this
I remind the member that early this afternoon Mr Brownlee referred to a lack of work. This would suggest that there might be sufficient time to do lots of things before the next local body elections.
If I interpret his answer as being that he can introduce legislation within the next 3 weeks, does that mean that consultation with the public will occur only during a 1 or 2 month select committee process?
Hon Dr MICHAEL CULLEN Link to this
No. In fact, the political reference group’s proposals may or may not require legislation, depending upon its final outcome. It certainly does not necessarily require legislation that will have to take effect before the next local body elections, because that is not the nature of its proposals.