Fears raised over powers

Shore councillors fear the agency handling the shift to an Auckland supercity is acting outside its powers after it raised questions about major projects.

As a result they are seeking clarification about the policy-making powers of councils and the Auckland Transition Authority.

The concerns were raised after councillors read the agency’s response to North Shore’s 2009-2019 city plan.

The agency confirmed the council’s decision to adopt the city plan that contains a 5.7 percent increase for the coming year.

But it emphasises this doesn’t mean confirmation of any project or matters referred to in the plan.

The agency also highlights four issues that must be referred to them for confirmation.

They are: The council headquarters fitout, the Gasometer development, the new northern library, and spending on regional planning initiatives.

The council had already sought advice from the agency about the fitout but the other queries surprised councillors.

Councillor Tony Holman raised concerns about the ability of councillors on bodies like the Regional Growth Forum to continue their regional planning work. Mr Holman said the agency appeared to want to extend its powers to regional policy decisions.

Councillor Ann Hartley said it would be "very disturbing" if the agency made policy decisions when they’re neither elected nor accountable to ratepayers.

A number of councillors raised concerns about the council’s ability to implement the city plan.

Councillor Grant Gillon said the agency had a "stranglehold" on spending over $20,000 that extends beyond 2011.

Mayor Andrew Williams said the council should continue as normal.

Mr Williams believed the agency would find so much work establishing the new council they would leave the council to get on with its work.

Chief executive officer John Brockies said some issues needed clarification but he didn’t see any problem with the agency’s requests.

Mr Brockies said the agency might be referring to the council’s district plan when it mentions regional planning initiatives.

- © Fairfax NZ News