Onehunga News - May
The future of local government in Auckland is one of the most important issues our city has faced. National is committed to working with you to get it right.
I recently held community meetings in Onehunga, Ellerslie and Panmure with the Associate Minister for Local Government, the Hon. John Carter.
So far, there has been strong support for a single Auckland Council. Many people know that our city has been held back because of poor decision making. The current council structures are failing to deliver in an efficient and consistent way the level of services we all require.
A single council will enable the city to get things done.
The proposed changes will put local back into local governance. The Government is looking at establishing between 20 and 30 local boards to represent neighbourhoods across the city.
Some residents have expressed concerns as to whether the local board will have the power to resolve local issues and determine the scale and scope of local resources.
Onehunga is a diverse community that needs to keep its voice – and be heard. Local boards will enable you to have a greater say on how your neighbourhood should be run.
Communities need to tell us how local boards can work for them.
Don’t worry if you’ve missed one our local meetings – you can still have your say on how the new council will be set up and run through the select committee process.
The select committee is considering bills on the structure and powers of the new council, including local boards. Please contact my electorate office for information on how to make submissions.
We are listening to what you have to say. The Minister and I are impressed with feedback we’ve received so far and have taken your comments on board.
While we are moving towards a single council, how it will look and how it will work is up to you. Nothing is set in stone, your input matters. After all, it will serve the people of Auckland.
