Local Boards Auckland 101 Workshop Alastair Child | Principal Advisor Date: 24 October 2012

Key Facts 21 local boards across Auckland 149 local board members Between 5 and 9 members per local board Each local board has a Chairperson 3 year election terms Shared governance model

Purpose of Local Boards Represent their communities, make decisions on local issues, activities and facilities. “enabling democratic decision making by, and on behalf of, communities within the local board area” “better enabling the promotion of the social, economic, environmental, and cultural well-being of communities within the local board area, in the present and for the future.” Local Government (Auckland Council) Act 2009

Local Board Plans & Agreements Local Board Plans –produced every 3 years –reflect priorities and preferences of communities –strong emphasis on community engagement Local Board Agreements –produced annually –focuses on delivering Local Board Plans through projects & setting local service levels –need to be consistent with regional strategies & plans

Community Engagement Can be seen as “community face” of Auckland Council Understand, engage and represent local communities –Building relationships with community groups & iwi –Establish local advisory groups and panels (e.g. youth panels) –Lead formal engagement on specific issues

Local Boards & Family Violence Community safety is an important issue for all local boards “Champion local community safety initiatives to prevent crime, reduce alcohol and drug-related harm, reduce unintentional injury, prevent and reduce family violence and promote safer environments” (Whau Local Board Plan) “Continue to work with central and local government agencies to identify local solutions to family violence, alcohol, health and welfare issues that face our communities” (Hibiscus & Bays Local Board Plan)

Engaging with Local Boards Community engagement 21 Local Board offices Public business meetings (monthly) Public Forum Agenda and minutes published online Contacting local board members Local Boards on Facebook

Questions Alastair Child Principal Advisor, Local Board Services Auckland 101 Workshop – 24 October 2012