Auckland Super City Updates

Following the introduction of the Local Government (Auckland Law Reform) Bill in 2009, the Auckland Transition Agency (which is responsible for the ‘technical’ side of the reorganisation of Auckland) has begun taking action that will make the decisions of parliament work in practice.   

The goal of the ATA is to amalgamate the present eight local authorities of Auckland into one structure, which will be the new Auckland Council, by November 2010. The Auckland Council will consist of a two-tier governance structure: a governing body (made up of the Mayor and 20 councillors) and 20-30 local boards.  The governing body and local boards will sit alongside each other and have distinct roles, rather than operate in a hierarchical relationship.The governing body will be responsible for:

• Regulatory functions of the Council (e.g. RMA, Health and Building Acts, Civil Defence)
• Making decisions on non-regulatory activities where an Auckland-wide approach will better promote the wellbeing of communities across Auckland
• Financial and asset management
• Staff and resources of the Council
• Providing Council services and facilities
• Implementing agreements made with local boards
• The Local Boards will be responsible for:
  Decision making on those non-regulatory functions of the Auckland Council that do not require an Auckland-wide approach.  These functions will be identified in the Council’s long term and annual plans
• Identifying and communicating the interests and preferences of people in their area on the policies and plans of the Council
• Adopting a local board plan for local activities, and reaching agreement with the governing body on their provision
• Identifying and developing bylaws, and proposing them to the governing body

The role of the Mayor will be to:

• Promote a vision for Auckland
• Provide leadership to achieve that vision
• Lead the development of plans, policies and budgets for consideration by the governing body of the Council
• Ensure there is effective engagement between the Auckland Council and the people of Auckland

A third Auckland governance Bill was introduced in December 2009.  This bill will complete the legislative framework for ongoing governance arrangements in Auckland and make provision for the interim operation of the Auckland Council from 1 November 2010 before it develops its own Long Term Council Community Plan, rating and financial  policies etc.  Watch this space!
For more information on the Auckland Council, contact Andrew.Stewart Ltd – or see the Auckland Council website: