In Auckland the proposed Auckland Super-City was first driven by the political left, but has now been adopted by the centre right. It was not an issue driven by the people of Auckland.

Wendell Cox, an international public policy expert based in the United States, with extensive experience in local government amalgamation, was contacted for his comment. His comments are as follows;

"Regrettably the right and left are of virtually equal distatefulness on the issue. Often you will find the most vocal proponents of these policies are central city business organizations and central city leftist elites. Then, there are always the misled rightists who think that larger governments will employ fewer people per capita, not realizing that the larger the government the more personnel it needs and trade unions become even more powerful. As I like to say, the only economies of scale in government consolidation are for lobbyists.

The left is better at power and governance and thus routinely takes over the reigns of power. That much power should not be available in a municipal government. Bureaucrats tend to be elitist and generally more left wing, so the advice the councillors and the mayor receives will be more to the left. Democracy is diluted. Taxes are raised from a larger base and spending goes up... not just on personnel."

If Wendell Cox’s prediction holds true for Auckland, the residents and ratepayers are in for a big and costly surprise. And, to make matters worse our new Minister of Local Government has set his sights on much larger reform.

Mayor Andrew Williams of North Shore City has let Rodney’s cat out of the bag in a recent media release. Apparently, the government has a plan to smash local government and sell off its community assets.

Rodney Hide’s April Cabinet paper lays out a carefully devised plan to rip the heart out of local democracy by outlawing involvement in “social, economic, environmental, and cultural community outcomes” and replacing it with a narrow focus on ‘core services’ such as roads, footpaths, sewage treatment, storm water and refuse collection.” It also suggests there is far too much public consultation in local government. Equally as alarming is that the government does not consider it necessary to issue a public discussion document allowing the public to have a say on these sweeping changes, because “public views are already known”.                

The government has made it plain it intends to power-up its ‘super city’ bulldozer and drive it through every community in the country despite the latest Shape NZ poll showing that around half of New Zealanders do not want a bar of the ‘super city’ in their area and an overwhelming 70 percent of New Zealanders saying that any ‘super city’ plans should be put to a referendum or vote before being implemented and not rammed down their throats.          

Clearly, if we do not initiate a Northland review of how local government is delivered a solution is highly likely to be imposed. Kaipara Mayor Tiller’s negative attitude towards any review is naive at best but luckily our other northland local government leaders are more forthcoming. A review will happen whether Kaipara is involved or not - something Kaipara residents should be concerned about.             

Before any reform of local government occurs there must be widespread debate of the issues. The problems that need addressing must be identified and agreed to and then a range of solutions analysed so informed decisions can be made. While there are likely to be huge problems with the Auckland Super-City there are still opportunities to improve local government performance. We can get the best out of both worlds out of any reform if we are smart about it.

There is a need for analysis. Given Auckland’s unique position as New Zealand’s largest city by every measure, it seems likely that the appropriate reform outcomes for other regions should vary from whatever finally transpires in Auckland. It will be important to consider approaches that maximize government performance in the context of the differing needs and conditions that exist in the fifteen diverse regions of New Zealand.

Northland is a unique region, with diverse communities and characteristics that differ from those of its neighbour and the rest of the nation. Thus, an analysis is required to determine a strategy for local government reform that is most appropriate to both the regional and local situation. The Northland Regional Council is currently considering undertaking research with the objective of the being able to recommend governance options that optimise the values of cost effectiveness, service delivery, equity, citizen access and business competitiveness with respect to public services and public infrastructure, and environmental stewardship.

The intention is to review and evaluate models of regional and local governance in New Zealand and internationally. This will outline the various models currently in use and the results of reform initiatives undertaken. It will identify and develop an inventory of local government functions currently performed in Northland and examine and report on operating and capital expenditures, service quality measures and other relevant measures that may be available.  

There is also a need to analyse the “Governance Review” and “Public Function Review” in relation to the specific circumstances and needs of the Northland Region and its current Territorial Local Authorities. Based on this analysis and research a recommendation of the most appropriate governance option, or options, including a description of the proposed governmental units, their responsibilities and rating powers, would be made for public consideration.

If this work is not done because local politicians are too naive or too interested in looking after their own personal interests we may find a Rodney Hide solution imposed. The former would be far better than the latter.