An outcome worth the risk

Rodney Hide. Photo / NZ Herald

Local Government Minister Rodney Hide had a clear advantage when it came to pressing home major reform in Auckland. "I figured that by being a leader of the Act Party - a smaller party - that I could actually drive the reform through as a larger party might get nervous.

"I also viewed it as a 50-50 thing that it could get end my political career and that of Act's. But that the risk was worth it for Auckland's sake. And that I was that sort of person and we were the sort of party that could take that risk. So I took it on."

Just two months out from the Super City's official birthday, Hide says the change has been" more dramatic than anyone appreciates".

"Not only do we have an ability now to have a local council in Auckland that is functioning for local council's sake but we also have a representation of Auckland that will be able to sort out central Government delivery to Auckland.

"There's no reason why with proper leadership and decision-making Auckland in 10 years time can't be one of the great cities of the world. Because it's got the leadership and mechanism - the mayor of Auckland will be second most powerful person in New Zealand.

"So what you have - and this is my vision - in 10 and 15 years time a city that has unfolded with leadership and decision-making in a way that Aucklanders want with central and local government having to deliver - no excuses.

"And I'm bloody proud of that."

* From the New Zealand Herald feature, 'Project Auckland - our city'