Auckland local government submissions published

The Local Government Commission has today published the submissions it received on local government arrangements for the Auckland region following its call for alternative applications. The Commission had earlier accepted two reorganisation applications under the Local Government Act, from the Northern Action Group relating to North Rodney, and Our Waiheke on Waiheke.

The call for alternative applications brought the total number of proposals for change to 38. In addition the Commission received some 150 pieces of correspondence both for and against aspects of change.

Local Government Commission Chair Sir Wira Gardiner said it was useful to air a wide range of views and important that applicants and the public could have access to the submissions.

“It is imperative that all those who have an interest in Auckland local government arrangements are able to express their views and be heard, and that others are able to familiarise themselves with those positions.

“We are now in the process of deciding how we will consult on the applications, and will set out our process accordingly in the near future,’’ said Sir Wira.

Next steps

• The Commission is now developing a process for consultation

• After hearing from interested parties and communities, the Commission will take into account the full range of information received to develop a set of reasonably practicable reorganisation options, including the status quo

• These will be subject to analysis and testing, including by independent experts

• The Commission may consult further before determining its preferred option according to the statutory criteria and, if this is not the status quo, will develop a draft proposal

• Any resulting draft proposal will be subject to public consultation

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