KEY POINTS:
Calling themselves "the grassroots of democracy", Auckland community boards are demanding a voice in how the region's government will be strengthened.
Eight councils are represented on a political reference group that has suggested three broad reform options for the councils to examine this week.
But the group's lack of community board members is a sore point with the dozens of board members in the region.
Their frustration was made clear at an Auckland Regional Council forum on one of the most important pieces of local government reform for 17 years.
Lindsay Rea, from the Eden-Mt Albert board, said the Community Boards Association had resolved at the weekend that boards should have a part in framing reform as they were the closest layer of democracy to citizens.
It was important for their voice to be heard on the political reference group.
ARC chairman Mike Lee said his council did not have a direct relationship with community boards. But he would move to have a community board representative on the political reference group.
The council was looking for an opportunity to take the reform plan to the public before a final proposal went to the Government on December 7 for consideration and legislative changes.
The council wished to fulfil its responsibility to consult communities under the Local Government Act. However, that would not be easy with the tight deadline for councils to give feedback so a final proposal could be prepared.
A Manukau City Council executive, Grant Taylor, said the political reference group supported councils engaging in public consultation before any legislation went to Parliament. He said there might be an opportunity for public comment early next year.
None of the options for discussion suggested changes to the way in which councils would elect their members.
Mr Lee said the only change from the present system was that a new stronger regional authority would be led by a regional mayor who would be elected at large.
He also assured the forum that any new authority would not strip the assets of Auckland City or any other territorial council.
