KEY POINTS:
Chief executives are concerned Auckland's international competitiveness is dropping and say it's time the Government stepped in and forced amalgamation on the city's territorial authorities.
The results are the clearest indication yet that local government in the region has fallen from grace as far as business is concerned.
"Auckland's regional politics are farcical - no momentum, no leadership and competitiveness is being eroded,'' said a transport sector chief executive.
"Amalgamation of the local authorities is critical to achieving a world-class competitive city for the Auckland region and New Zealand,'' said another transport sector chief.
"Absolutely essential,'' agreed a media CEO.
Survey respondents are nearly unanimous on the two issues: 88 per cent are concerned at the level of Auckland's competitiveness and 80 per cent support the Government introducing legislation to force amalgamation.
Deloitte chair Nick Main - who is a member of the Committee for Auckland - cautioned that without Auckland success "New Zealand will always be limited in its success ... the solution is obvious but politically difficult''.
But others suggested the region should first focus on what functions - such as roads, water, and sewerage - should go with what structures. Then it should decide whether they should be regional or local.
Others said it was ridiculous for a country of New Zealand's size to have so many borough, district and city councils.
"The role of of local and national government needs resolving before the population reaches five million,'' warned Genesis Energy CEO Murray Jackson.
"We're geared for twice the population - so let's bring them in,'' said a motor industry boss.
But local body chief executives urge realism.
"I support rationalisation,'' said one. "But it is not the silver bullet some imagine.''
Another territorial local authority chief said legislation was needed to strengthen local governance but "this is not the same as amalgamating local authorities''.
