NIKKI KAYE (National—Auckland Central) : I am delighted to support the third readings of the Local Government (Tamaki Makaurau Reorganisation) Amendment Bill, the Local Government (Auckland Council) Amendment Bill, and the Local Government (Auckland Transitional Provisions) Bill. This afternoon we are ending the final chapter of reform of local government in Auckland. Let us not forget why we are here. We are here to deliver what the Royal Commission on Auckland Governance asked us to deliver—that is, a city that is able to compete successfully with Melbourne, Sydney, and Brisbane for people and investment, but also a city that has world-class standards and quality of life. Our Government listened to the royal commission when it said that “Maintaining the status quo, or tinkering around the edges, is not the answer. Bold change is required,”. Problems the commission identified included “Messy and inefficient urban growth, infrastructure constraints, social disparity, and poor urban design …”. Our city has a third of New Zealand’s population, and with 2 million people on track to be living in Auckland by 2050 it was not an option for this Parliament to keep the status quo.
The royal commission, initiated by the previous Government, cost $4 million and took 18 months. After three pieces of legislation, thousands of submissions, and hundreds of hours of Auckland Governance Legislation Committee hearings, we are near the end of this parliamentary process. We are on the cusp of what we all hope is a new era of local government for the people of Auckland. After 3 years of consultation, decisions have been made. There are some bold changes, but Aucklanders are presented with a workable structure and one that has the potential to offer greater representation, better access to services for disadvantaged people, and, ultimately, a more secure, prosperous, and sustainable city.
» Continue Reading
