Presentation to Mayoral Forum Local Government Reform – Where to from here? Presentation to Mayoral Forum by Mike Lee Chairman, ARC 15 September 2006

Letter to the PM from ARC’s Chairman It is time to look at ways to improve efficiency & effectiveness of Auckland local government We need to strengthen regional government Auckland is one economy, property market & labour market, it has one transport system, one environment. Auckland’s pressures, decisions about land use & infrastructure impact all of its cities & districts

Letter to the PM from ARC’s Chairman We need to address historic underinvestment in infrastructure We need to reduce costs & provide more value Managing urban sprawl & aligning public transport requires decisionmaking in the regional public interest At the same time distinct local communities require local democracy

The proposal of the 4 City Mayors Over the last week the ARC has considered the reform proposal made by the four Mayors ARC was unhappy with the process & has serious concerns with many aspects of the proposal We do agree with its call for stronger regional government

ARC agrees There is a need to change We struggle to deliver on strategies for Auckland’s urban sustainability and economic transformation The region needs stronger regional governance, more cohesive leadership & decision-making We can increase efficiency by removing duplication There is a need to redefine what is regional and what is local, along the lines of the proposal (and indeed what is national)

ARC agrees it’s time to progress: Horizontal and vertical integration of the water, wastewater and stormwater services in Watercare Vertical integration (or partial integration) of transport A single rates engine Fixing Civil Defence and Emergency Management Efficiencies and consistency of charging for building consents

ARC agrees it’s time to progress: Stronger heritage protection powers A single economic development agency Rationalisng sports facilties and stadiums Savings in administration to benefit ratepayers A national policy statement on population growth and development A re-orientated of audit process focused on costs More democracy – including a regional forum for all Councillors, community board members and Mayors

Is there support elsewhere for change? Discussion over recent weeks reveals support amongst Mayors and business community for looking at change Government preparedness to legislate before local body elections, for workable proposal that has level of agreement We need to ask others who are affected We need to listen to the public

Process for change - proposal That local authority and governmant officials develop a process to deliver a proposal for local government reform that enjoys widespread support

Scope of review could include: What functions should be delivered regionally and what functions should be delivered locally Representation Mechanisms to better manage the interface & relationship between local and regional interests Link to other reviews of funding

Reform proposal must: Address the agreed short-comings of current arrangements Identify opportunities for increased efficiency & effectiveness that exceed costs of reform Support the democratic purpose of local government Scope implementation requirements including legislation & staging Require minimum Auckland specific legislation

The process for change must: Be inclusive Be principles based Involve relevant government departments fully Provide appropriate local and central government political involvement & endorsement Define the problem, and evaluate a range of solutions Look at role & function before form & governance