Len Brown: Manukau may have more to lose than to gain

Can we preserve local democracy in one city?

Four of our pre-eminent civic leaders have rightfully raised the prospect of one city, Auckland, presuming the retirement of our city of Manukau.

One proponent frets that there is no enemy to focus on, and therefore nothing to push against. Brian Rudman has declared the debate over before it even started.

And, of course, it has not. In a region where only 35-45 per cent of our communities vote in local government elections, this issue would have registered with about 1 per cent, mostly local government junkies.

The assumed benefits of this proposal have been well canvassed, and will be subject to detailed scrutiny as the debate unfolds. What are some of the known benefits that we as citizens of Manukau will lose in this proposed amalgamation?

Fair representation, for one. Does anyone seriously believe that the interests, worries and needs of towns like Weymouth, Otara, Mangere, and Howick will be properly represented in a structure focused on the CBD and large projects such as Eden Park, and the waterfront?

Our communities are focused mainly on families and small business, burgeoning new estates and rejuvenation of old towns.

Manukau is a migrant city with huge cultural diversity. We have worked hard to fairly represent that diversity. I fear a loss of focus from community on to major infrastructure, would be the harbinger of increasingly serious culture clashes rather than unity.

We are also facing increasing challenges with the attractiveness of the gang and drug culture for some youth. I sense our city could respond and handle these challenges much more effectively than a single CBD-based entity.

Manukau has a good chance of institutionalising low rates. It has youngish infrastructure, both above and below ground. And it has an increasing diversity of income sources, including its Auckland Airport shares, to significantly supplement its rates. It has the cheapest water in the region.

Manukau's immersion would lose its citizens a significant economic and financial advantage.

One of our challenges best met is equity of funding and resourcing across our city. In contrast, Auckland City has recently admitted underinvestment in Otahuhu.

Finally, what of the policy settings that make our city unique - no user charges for entry to pools, libraries and recreation centres. We have a strong philosophy of holding public assets. Where does the "Manukau way" figure in this proposal?

What is crucial in this debate is that the whole picture be assessed. We have over the past 10 years been repowering the Auckland Regional Council.

An alternate status quo option, would include ceding to the ARC all transport, environmental, and infrastructural work for the region. What would be essential under such a model is a synergy across local government that is not present at this time.

We have heard a lot of what Manukau may gain [with a one-city proposal]. It may not be enough to outweigh our loss.

* Len Brown is a mayoral candidate for the next Manukau City election.