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The Mapp Report

The Mapp Report

MAKING AUCKLAND GREATER


You will now know the Government’s decisions on the report of the Royal Commission on Auckland Governance. In the ten days since the report was released I have received many emails supporting the Community Boards.  My colleagues have had the same feedback. The Government decided that the best structure was to have a super-city and a substantial number of community boards.

We also changed the allocation of “at-large” and ward seats on the new super-city council. This will now be 12 seats from wards and eight at-large. This will guarantee that there will be two councillors from North Shore. I would also expect that some of the at-large councillors will come from the Shore.

Over the years, on issues involving Devonport and Bayswater, I would always ring the Chair of the Community Board as the key person with knowledge of the issues. I believe that the appropriate allocation of responsibility between the super-city and local boards will create effective governance for Auckland. The super-city will be able to deal with the broad strategic issues, and the local board will respond to issues of community concern.

It was clear that there is strong support for the super-city. There is widespread recognition that governance of the region as a whole has been deficient. This is less about reducing rates and more about dealing with the major issues that have been affecting us all, especially transport, major regional amenities and the waterfront. The waterfront could be truly world-class but is not. Coherent decisions on such issues will mean a more dynamic city environment and better growth prospects. A world-class waterfront will be a magnet for tourists. It will showcase our city to the world.

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There will be substantial opportunity for further public consultation during the Select Committee process, especially on the boundaries of the local boards and their responsibilities.

NORTH SHORE HOSPITAL


Last week the Ministers of Health and Finance announced a $36 million investment in improving North Shore Hospital’s emergency department. The total cost of the project is $48 million. There will be 26 more emergency department cubicles, another 19 beds in the admissions planning unit and an extra 48 medical in-patient beds. The project is to be completed in late 2011. This significant expansion of services will be welcomed by everyone on the North Shore.
 
OUT AND ABOUT 


On Monday night the Devonport/Bayswater Community Board held a special meeting of residents to discuss the Royal Commission’s report. I considered it essential that I attend this meeting, to hear their views. Their views were absolutely clear. They want a local voice in local government which is close to the community. They want retention of local boards.

 National has heard this voice and delivered.


Hon Dr Wayne Mapp   

MP North Shore    


For more information on National visit www.national.org.nz or have your say at www.johnkey.co.nz

Visit my website for more information at: www.waynemapp.co.nz                                   

ends
 

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