KEY POINTS:
The Government has announced the membership and terms of reference for the Royal Commission of Inquiry into the governance of Auckland.
Critics believe Auckland's four city councils, three district councils and one regional council is too many - spawning too many bureaucrats, costing too much and making it too difficult to get agreement on key infrastructure projects.
Last year, the four city mayors discussed the proposal of a super-council.
But the idea was shelved after opposition from the Rodney, Papakura and Franklin districts, the Auckland Regional Council, and many councillors from the four cities, who were all shut out of the discussions.
The Government this year announced the royal commission to look at the issues.
Local Government Minister Mark Burton today said the commission would be chaired by retired High Court Judge Peter Salmon QC, who would work alongside public service doyen Dame Margaret Bazley and local government rates inquiry chair David Shand.
Mr Burton released the commission's terms of reference which included:
* what governance, institutional and ownership structures and funding responsibilities would best help the Auckland region provide key infrastructure, services and facilities;
* what legislative changes would be needed to meet the commission's recommendations;
* what changes to the boundaries of the Auckland region are necessary;
* what transition arrangements would need to be put in place in moving to any new structure.
Mr Burton said a healthy Auckland was crucial to a successful New Zealand economy.
"The issues about Auckland's future governance are complex and the Royal Commission will provide for careful and thorough investigation and consultation to identify the most appropriate long-term governance arrangements for Auckland, to secure its future as an internationally competitive city and region."
No date has yet been set for submissions.
Areas specifically excluded in the commission's terms include funding arrangements with central government.
Mr Burton said that was because any funding from central government was up to the government of the day to decide.
Northern Employer and Manufacturers Association chief executive Alasdair Thompson today said the vocally critical lobby group had "absolute confidence" in the commission's appointed members.
"We are delighted at the calibre of people chosen for this critical role.
"We appreciate and applaud the fact that the appointments bring no political bias to their task and no one can fault the record of public service of Peter Salmon QC, Dame Margaret Bazley and David Shand."
- NZPA
