They were rarely united and patch protected whenever they felt threatened.
They couldn't see the big picture in terms of key strategic decisions based on what was good for the whole Auckland region.
Nothing much has changed in that regard. It's no wonder the mayors of Poirua, Upper Hutt, Kapiti, Wellington, Lower Hutt, South Wairarapa, Carterton, and Masterton are divided on the issue. Add the Greater Wellington Regional Council into the mix, who naturally enough support amalgamation, and you have a recipe for another disaster.
That's the Auckland experience whatever might be said in its defence.
The so-called massive savings have not materialised. There's a huge budget blow out and a Unitary Plan that's come under heavy fire for its short sightedness and failure to understand local priorities.
A Super City that would produce better service delivery with major efficiency gains and eliminate duplication of numerous back office services, that cost ratepayers millions of dollars each year, was a laudable objective. This is one of the main purposes for amalgamation of local authorities.
That and a more unified approach to strategic decisions that impact on the whole region. Amalgamation, we are told, is where it's all happening.
The answer to better local government. It seems a number of local authorities must follow Auckland's Super City example some time in the future. But has it worked? I have friends elected to the Super City Council who tell me it's a disaster.
Decisions are slow in the making and it's riddled with councillor in-fighting. One described it as a toxic environment not at all conducive to good decision making.
And not just because the majority can't stand Mayor Len Brown. Nastiness can be contagious and it has spread throughout the councillor ranks I am told.
How can you lead a Super City, or any city for that matter super or otherwise, and make the best decisions for the good of all communities within the region, when there is no commitment to work constructively together? The lack of understanding of the various communities of interest is of real concern too.
Communities feel disenfranchised, even though they have their community boards. They see these as having no teeth. Of not being listened to. The boards don't trust super city councillors to take their concerns on board when making strategic decisions for the whole region.
I would often spend time with Sir Barry Curtis years ago when he came to Lake Rotoiti.
As the Mayor of Manukau City you couldn't get a better advocate for South Auckland. It was South Auckland first, second and third. He talked about the whole area in glowing terms. The potential of its people and their communities. He knew them well and enjoyed being their elected representative.
Sir Barry was out and about listening and talking to those who elected him. Auckland City Council never put anything across Sir Barry. He knew the strength of South Auckland and never trusted anyone else to talk on its behalf.
You would think there was no other place in New Zealand than the communities he represented. Who talks on their behalf now when significant decisions are being made for the Super City?
If you don't know the people of your region; who they are and what's important to them, they'll become disillusioned.
Voters in the Wellington region do have a say but with the Local Government Commission recommending amalgamation into a Greater Wellington Council it probably will happen. Those who want it will pull out all stops to ensure it does happen. No doubt we'll see the same here too in the near future. Super Bay of Plenty here we come.
