A view from our President, Tony Mayow
Whether one accepts or rejects the thesis that Auckland’s reorganisation was designed under the assumption it would be inherited by John Banks, there can be no doubt that the first Council election result has presented a scenario only the bold would have predicted just one year ago. (more…)
A view from our President, Tony Mayow
This issue’s focus on local government brings together a number of concerns.
I’ve written and talked a lot about the connections between local government with community development and social services. I’ve made no secret about my passion for the central, positive role that good local government can play in supporting communities, and about the grave concerns that have been raised over the past 18 months about government’s intentions for it. (more…)
Mike Reid is Manager Governance, Local Government New Zealand
With a clever play on water, the PSA is currently running a campaign to raise interest in this year’s local election by asking whether or not the reorganisation of Auckland and planned changes to the Local Government Act will lead to a loss of local democracy i.e. it is being ‘watered down’. (more…)
Pat Hanley, Social & Civic Policy Institute
Local government in New Zealand was established on firm liberal principals. Its focus was clearly on property interests. The electoral franchise was property-based, one vote per property. Local government revenue was based primarily on a land tax and rates. The functions of local government were prescribed by central government as relating principally to services to property. (more…)
Wednesday 28 April saw the inaugural meetings of two brand new sector regional initiatives in Auckland take place. (more…)
In the context of governance arrangements for the new Auckland supercity, ACDA has been formed as an informally constituted alliance of Auckland region’s community organisations and communities. Its long term goal is to create stronger, healthier, more connected, empowered, resilient and active communities in Auckland. (more…)