Waiheke Pilot Project gets the go-ahead

29 September 2017

As part of implementing recommendations from Auckland Council’s Governance Framework Review, the Governing Body yesterday approved a three-year pilot project for the Waiheke Local Board.

The Waiheke Pilot Project begins 1 October 2017 and will enable increased levels of local decision-making by the Waiheke Local Board. The project will be evaluated and findings will help decide whether to extend the new approach to other local board areas.

The project is based on the following principles:

subsidiarity - the principle of decisions being made closest to those affected;
local flexibility, speed and responsiveness;
development of a resilient community; and
recognition of the role of volunteer work in contributing to a strong community.
These principles have guided the proposed scope, which includes a range of operational, policy and community issues, which have been drawn from priority areas identified by the local board over time.

Paul Walden, Waiheke Local Board Chair, spoke to the Governing Body yesterday on the Governance Framework Review and elements pertaining to Waiheke Island. Mr Walden was on the political working party and noted his board’s support for a three-year pilot project.

“We are confident that the Waiheke Pilot Project will provide an excellent basis for the Waiheke community and Council to move forward together, to address the issues Waiheke has been facing around decision making and local focus through more authority and accountability over local matters, operations practices and expenditure.”

ENDS

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