North Shore Times (New Zealand)
Differences between MPs and local boards
Understanding who does what in the New Zealand political system can be tricky, especially for migrants unfamiliar with the New Zealand structure, an academic says.
New Zealand’s ‘‘rather centralised system of public services’’, can cause confusion around what is central Government’s responsibility and what falls to the local council, Massey University Associate Professor Grant Duncan said.
‘‘Newcomers to the country might have quite a lot of difficulty navigating those things,’’ Duncan said.
Central Government is responsible for state highways, schools, hospitals, social housing, and the justice system (police and courts).
‘‘Anything that is to do with policy at the national level, of which the common things would be welfare, work and income, immigration, health or education, you might go and talk to the local MP,’’ Duncan said.
However, there is a lot of crossover between central and local government.
‘‘Because, although it is up to central Government to build and fund the schools, they can’t do that without collaborating with local government in terms of planning,’’ Duncan said.
Auckland Council’s 21 local boards provide input into regional strategies and plans, make decisions on nonregulatory matters - such as maintaining and upgrading sports fields, local environment and heritage initiatives, supporting local arts, culture and events, and providing local parks and recreation facilities.
Council and its CCOs are responsible for providing water and wastewater services, local roads - including footpaths and street lighting, public transport, household waste management services, and parks, libraries and recreation facilities.
Auckland Council governance director Phil Wilson said, through the mayor, Auckland Council is in regular discussion with central Government and works closely with the prime minister and senior ministers on key issues of regional and national significance, including housing, transport and homelessness.