Media release
30 August 2002

Changes for Infrastructure Auckland Simply Good Governance

Members of the Electoral College of Infrastructure Auckland say they do not plan to take over Infrastructure Auckland, as alleged by the Herald today.

The region's mayors and other council representatives form the Electoral College of Infrastructure Auckland, a body responsible for funding transport and stormwater projects for the Auckland region. The Electoral College appoints the Board of Infrastructure Auckland. A recent legal change, implemented by the last government, means the Electoral College also has to agree the Statement of Corporate Intent for the body, which includes matters such as the nature and scope of activities to be undertaken, its objectives, accounting policies and performance objectives and targets.

The Electoral College acts as shareholder of Infrastructure Auckland on behalf of residents of the Auckland region.

College Chairman Sir Barry Curtis says, "Simple good governance requires that a strong working relationship is developed with the Board. From time to time substantive matters relating to the Statement of Corporate Intent will need to be debated. None of this means the Electoral College will be directing Infrastructure Auckland about which project applications to fund.

"The governance arrangements discussed in a paper being considered today by members of the Electoral College and the Board of Infrastructure Auckland are similar to those in place for the governance of other significant regional entities. These include Watercare Services Ltd and the Auckland Regional Transport Network Ltd.

"These too involve elected politicians acting as shareholder representatives, and Boards elected for their professional competence. Negotiation of an agreed Statement of Corporate Intent is an important feature of any good governance arrangement, and one the public can have confidence in."

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