Overhaul unitary plan: ex chairman

This is the one of a series of opinion pieces by Aucklanders on their vision for Auckland post local body elections 2016

Achieving a better Auckland relies on the next government making major changes to the legislation that dictates how Council operates.

What has been foisted on us is a corporate model, where we citizens (or ‘‘shareholders’’) are treated as ‘‘outsiders’’.

We are allowed token consultation, often ignored by the ruling bureaucracy and vested interests. It’s essential that democratic values and controls be re-established through changes to the Auckland Council Act, especially:

1. The remote, expensive, authoritarian bureaucracy needs heavy pruning and to be counterbalanced and overseen by more councillors and local board members, whose powers are currently constrained by the legislation. A staff culture of service to the public is a priority.

2. The huge electorates/wards need altering, as do the functions and powers of the council and boards.

3. There must be a better sharing of the powers and budget between the council and the boards, with the boards given a much greater role dealing with important local issues and determining suitable local outcomes, together with the funding to respond effectively to local needs.

4. The disconnection of the Council Controlled Organisations (CCOs) – a euphemism – from the council and from the other CCOs needs to end, with the various companies being re-incorporated into the council under democratic

‘‘A top priority is drastically modifying the heavy-handed Unitary Plan imposed on Aucklanders.’’

Tony Holman sets out his vision for Auckland