PM to meet mayors over Auckland restructure plan

Prime Minister Helen Clark will meet with four Auckland mayors to discuss a secret plan they have reportedly hatched to reduce the number of councils in the region.

The idea of amalgamating Auckland's four city and three district councils into a "super city" has come to prominence since proponents announced they would form a "OneAuckland Trust" to promote one structure.

Supporters believe such a move would remove duplication, cut administration costs and make planning and infrastructure development simpler.

Manukau Mayor Sir Barry Curtis yesterday said that he, Auckland Mayor Dick Hubbard, Waitakere Mayor Bob Harvey and North Shore Mayor George Woods had been working on a plan for a new governance structure for the region.

The four have sought a meeting with Helen Clark to discuss their idea.

The PM today said she was interested to see what they had come up with.

She was not aware their plan included combining their areas into one authority.

"I understand the mayors have been talking about how to get some stronger governance for Auckland and I personally think stronger government at the regional level for Auckland would help push Auckland ahead," she said on Newstalk ZB today.

One possible catalyst for the mayor's plan is the 2011 Rugby World Cup, which will require significant development in the region.

A spokesman for Helen Clark said it was possible she would meet with the mayors this week, but a day was yet to be confirmed.

- NZPA