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.
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