Last chance to have your say on supercity

People are being urged to make submissions on the third supercity bill before Friday's closing date.

The Local Government (Auckland Law Reform) Bill provides for the establishment of local governance arrangements in Auckland and the transition of council staff and assets to the new Auckland Council.

It aims to provide structure and governance framework for council-controlled organisations, including the Waterfront Development Agency, make further provision for Watercare Services and establish Auckland Transport.

It also intends to define the relationship between the council’s governing body and the local boards, provide mechanisms to enhance Maori, Pacific, and ethnic participation and give details on how Auckland will move from eight planning and rating systems to just one.

Manukau city mayor Len Brown is among those urging communities to make submissions.

The bill has failed to define the role and functions of local boards, he says.

"These should be defined by the bill in order to provide the certainty communities have been waiting for. There is strong alignment around the region as to what those roles and functions should be but unfortunately the government has left these up in the air to be negotiated with the Auckland Council once it is established.

"The last thing we need is for the new Auckland Council to be bogged down in constant negotiation and conflict with local communities about what they require in their area."

Tonight the Tamaki Community Board hosts a consultation at the Otahuhu Town Hall at 6pm.
Chairwoman Kate Sutton says they want to hear what people think about the government’s proposals.

"The third bill is the final chance for all residents, businesspeople and community groups to have a say before the elections in October."

Online submissions can be made at www.parliament.nz/en-NZ/PB/SC/.

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