9. SUE BRADFORD (Green) Link to this
to the Minister of Local Government
Is he concerned that the Greater Auckland Council proposal will undermine local body democracy in Auckland; if not, why not?
Hon MARK BURTON (Minister of Local Government) Link to this
The Government has not given formal consideration to any such proposals. However, I would note that the Government is committed to democratic processes for Auckland local government structures—structures that can take Auckland forward as a 21st century metro-region, able to compete internationally.
Does the Minister agree that having unelected business people making decisions at the regional level—as proposed—that the city councils then have to implement makes a mockery of the democratic process, and threatens to hand local body governance over to what would basically be some kind of corporate board?
As I said in the principal answer, the Government has not given formal consideration to any such proposals—and I note there are a number around. However, I repeat for the member that the Government is committed to democratic processes for Auckland local government structures.
Keith LockeHow does it help democracy when the proposed three or four councils within the Auckland region will have elected representatives “significantly reduced in number”, and when the mayors’ plan puts a question mark over the “role and value of community boards”?
As I have indicated, the Government has not given formal consideration to any such proposals, but I would note that the Government is committed to democratic processes for Auckland local government structures.
Does the Minister agree that a key role of the Auckland Regional Council is to make sure we have environmental protection, particularly of air and water quality, through the administration of the Resource Management Act and other policies, and, at times, against the wishes of businesses and developers; if so, what concerns does he have that the mayors’ proposal seems to fail entirely to mention environmental protection, and, in fact, seems geared to getting rid of the Auckland Regional Council altogether?
I would agree with the first part of the member’s assertion, as to the legal functions of the Auckland Regional Council. They are common to regional councils generally. But, as I have said, we as a Government have not given any formal consideration to any such proposal.
Can the Minister confirm that the mayors propose to run Auckland’s parks by a so-named council-controlled organisation, “maximising business expertise and minimising political interference”, and if parks are seen as a business rather than a service, can we expect to see Auckland’s citizens paying to enter some public parks?
I am sorry but I have to repeat that the Government has not given formal consideration to any such proposals.
I seek leave first to table a paper by Sandra Coney, a member of the Auckland Regional Council, on the Greater Auckland Council plan that describes how it would bring about less democracy and less environmental focus.
I seek leave also to table an article in this morning’s New Zealand Herald by Brian Rudman, calling the proposed Greater Auckland Council a “Frankenstein monster” and saying it will result in “a less democratic and less independent Auckland.”
Madam SPEAKER