Auckland Council#Wards and local boards

The Auckland Council took over the functions of the Auckland Regional Council and the region's seven city and district councils: Auckland City Council, Manukau City Council, Waitakere City Council, North Shore City Council, Papakura District Council, Rodney District Council and most of Franklin District Council.

The Auckland Regional Council was formed in 1989, replacing the Auckland Regional Authority. One of the mainstays of its work was expanding the parks network, and it brought into the Auckland Council 26 regional parks with more than 40,000 hectares, including many restored natural habitats and sanctuaries developed in co-operation with the Department of Conservation and volunteers.{{cite news |last=Lee |first=Mike |title=From the Chairman |work=Region Wide |date=July 2010|agency=Auckland Regional Council |page=1}} A variety of often public transport-focused projects like the Northern Busway as well as significant rail and public transport investments were realised through the Auckland Regional Transport Authority, much of it supported by retaining Ports of Auckland in public hands (after the deregulation of the Auckland Harbour Board) to fund the improvements with the dividends.

Until 2010, the Auckland Region had seven "City/District" authorities, plus one "Regional" authority. In the late 2000s, New Zealand's central government and parts of Auckland's society felt that this large number of Councils, and the lack of strong regional government (with the Auckland Regional Council only having limited powers) were hindering Auckland's progress, and that a form of stronger regional government, or an amalgamation under one local council, would be beneficial. Others pointed to the fact that a previous integration of the many much smaller Borough Councils did not bring the promised advantages either, and reduced local participation in politics,[http://www.nzherald.co.nz/feature/story.cfm?c_id=1501110&objectid=10399953 Lessons from the history of local body amalgamation] – The New Zealand Herald, Wednesday 6 September 2006 with editorialists pointing out that the (supposedly mainly Wellingtonian) proponents of the 'super city' have carefully not made any promises of savings in light of past rises in rates and utilities bills.

In 2007, the government set up a Royal Commission on Auckland Governance to report on what restructuring should be done.[http://www.stuff.co.nz/0a11.html4147429a11.html Auckland governance inquiry welcomed] – NZPA, via 'stuff.co.nz', Tuesday 31 July 2007. Retrieved 29 October 2007.[http://www.infonews.co.nz/news.cfm?l=1&t=97&id=4113 Royal Commission of inquiry for Auckland welcomed] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071229014424/http://www.infonews.co.nz/news.cfm?l=1&t=97&id=4113 |date=29 December 2007 }} – NZPA, via 'infonews.co.nz', Tuesday 31 July 2007. Retrieved 29 October 2007. The report was released on 27 March 2009[http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA0903/S00405.htm Minister Releases Report Of Royal Commission] – Scoop.co.nz, Friday 27 March 2009 and the government subsequently announced that a "super city" would be set up to include the full metropolitan area under an Auckland Council with a single mayor and 20–30 local boards, by the time of the local body elections in 2010,{{cite news|url=http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=10565528|title='Super city' to be in place next year, Maori seats axed|work=The New Zealand Herald|first=Edward|last=Gay|date=7 April 2009}}{{cite news|url=http://media.nzherald.co.nz/webcontent/document/pdf/Making%20Ak%20Greater%20final%20media.pdf|title=Making Auckland Greater|work=New Zealand Government via The New Zealand Herald|date=7 April 2009}} though it also changed some key recommendations of the Royal Commission.

Some recommendations of the Royal Commission, which have not been adopted or implemented:

• 6A The Auckland Council should include a vision for the region in its spatial plan.{{cite web|title=Report: Recommendations Part 1|url=http://auckland.royalcommission.govt.nz/rccms.nsf/0/85E1462DC620553FCC2575850047072E?open|work=Royal Commission on Auckland Governance, Report|publisher=New Zealand Government|access-date=19 January 2011}}
• 6B The Mayor of Auckland's annual "State of the Region" address should describe progress towards the attainment of the vision.
• 19C: "Leadership support and development programmes for elected councillors should be strengthened."{{cite web|title=Report: Recommendations Part 2|url=http://auckland.royalcommission.govt.nz/rccms.nsf/0/B6F9E36286691FEFCC25758500470734?open|work=Royal Commission on Auckland Governance, Report|publisher=New Zealand Government|access-date=19 January 2011}}
• 21D: Auckland Council CCOs and their statements of intent should be subject to performance review by the proposed Auckland Services Performance Auditor.
• 21A 22A Two Māori members should be elected to the Auckland Council by voters who are on the parliamentary Māori Electoral Roll.
• 22B There should be a Mana Whenua Forum, the members of which will be appointed by mana whenua from the district of the Auckland Council.
• 22D The Auckland Council should ensure that each local council has adequate structures in place to enable proper engagement with Māori and consideration of their views in the local councils' decision-making processes. Where appropriate, current structures and/or memoranda of understanding should be transferred to local councils.
• 24F Auckland Council should consider creating an Urban Development Agency, to operate at the direction of the Auckland Council, with compulsory acquisition powers.{{cite web|title=Report: Recommendations Part 3|url=http://auckland.royalcommission.govt.nz/rccms.nsf/0/9AA31FFD0D07C793CC25758500470739?open|work=Royal Commission on Auckland Governance, Report|publisher=New Zealand Government|access-date=19 January 2011}}
• The Auckland Council should determine the extent to which responsibilities for the delivery of stormwater services are shared between local councils and Watercare Services Limited.
• 26I Watercare Services Limited should be required by legislation to promote demand management.
• 26M Watercare Services Limited should be required to prepare a stormwater action plan.
• 27D The Auckland Council should prepare an e-government strategy as an intrinsic part of its proposed unified service delivery and information systems plan.
• 28A The Auckland Council should work closely with consumers, the industry, and central government agencies to develop a climate change and energy strategy for the region, including monitoring and reviewing electricity security of supply performance, and industry planning and regulation impacting the Auckland region.
• 30A The Auckland Council should develop a Regional Waste Management Strategy, including strategies for management of organic waste and integration of waste management with other environmental programmes.
• 32F To promote the widespread adoption of the unified service delivery framework the Auckland Council should

:a) give Auckland Council CCOs providing council services the opportunity to share the unified service facilities if they wish.

:b) require Auckland Council CCOs providing council services to adopt the council's ICT infrastructure standards.

• 32G A statutory position of an independent Auckland Services Performance Auditor (to be appointed by the elected Auckland Council on the joint recommendation of the Chair of the Commerce Commission and the Auditor-General) should be created to provide assurance to the council and the public that the Auckland Council is providing high-quality services in a cost-effective way. The role of the Performance Auditor will include

:a) reviewing the adequacy and relevance of CCO performance targets.

:b) protecting the consumer's interests and advocating for them in respect of the reliability and affordability of council services. This will include reviewing services in terms of established customer service standards.

:c) in the case of Watercare Services Limited, undertaking three-yearly efficiency and effectiveness reviews, incorporating international comparative industry benchmarking and an evaluation of service levels, efficiency, affordability of water, and demand management performance.

The council was set up by three pieces of legislation, the Local Government (Tamaki Makaurau Reorganisation) Act 2009,{{cite web |url=http://www.legislation.govt.nz/act/public/2009/0013/latest/DLM2044508.html |title=Local Government (Tamaki Makaurau Reorganisation) Act 2009 No 13 (as at 02 November 2010), Public Act – New Zealand Legislation |publisher=Legislation.govt.nz |date=2 November 2010 |access-date=4 June 2011}} the Local Government (Auckland Council) Act 2009{{cite web |url=http://www.legislation.govt.nz/act/public/2009/0032/latest/DLM2044909.html |title=Local Government (Auckland Council) Act 2009 No 32 (as at 10 May 2011), Public Act – New Zealand Legislation |publisher=Legislation.govt.nz |date=10 May 2011 |access-date=4 June 2011}} and the Local Government (Auckland Transitional Provisions) Act 2010.{{cite web|url=http://www.legislation.govt.nz/act/public/2010/0037/latest/DLM3016607.html |title=Local Government (Auckland Transitional Provisions) Act 2010 No 37 (as at 21 December 2010), Public Act – New Zealand Legislation |publisher=Legislation.govt.nz |access-date=4 June 2011}}

The initial Council elections in October 2010 returned a mostly centre-left council, with Len Brown as mayor.{{cite news|title=Left-leaning council for Len Brown |url=http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=10679299 |access-date=9 October 2010 |work=The New Zealand Herald|date=9 October 2010 |first1=Bernard |last1=Orsman |first2=Michael |last2=Dickison}} Brown was re-elected in October 2013, again with a largely supportive council.{{cite news |first=Bernard |last=Orsman |url= http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=11139596 |title=New look council |work=The New Zealand Herald |date=14 October 2013 |access-date=15 October 2013}} The 2016 mayoral election was won by Labour MP Phil Goff, who had a landslide victory over his nearest rivals, Victoria Crone and future Green Party MP Chlöe Swarbrick.{{cite news|title=Phil Goff elected Mayor of Auckland |url= http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=11724629 |access-date=8 October 2016 |work=The New Zealand Herald|date=8 October 2016}} Goff won re-election in the 2019 mayoral election{{Cite web|title=2019 local electionsfinal results – Mayor, ward councillors, local board members|url=https://www.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/about-auckland-council/elections/2019electiondocuments/2019-local-elections-results-mayor-council.pdf|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200104035929/https://www.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/about-auckland-council/elections/2019electiondocuments/2019-local-elections-results-mayor-council.pdf |archive-date=4 January 2020 }} and chose not to run in the 2022 mayoral election,{{Cite news |date=13 February 2022 |title=Auckland mayor Phil Goff to retire from politics, won't seek re-election |url=https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/auckland-mayor-phil-goff-to-retire-from-politics-wont-seek-re-election/3YIRC65RQNQJ7ZVJQUNVJ7MOCM/ |access-date=17 October 2022 |newspaper=The New Zealand Herald}} which was won by Wayne Brown.{{Cite web |date=15 October 2022 |title=Local Elections 2022 – Official Results |url=https://www.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/elections/elections-2022-results/results/local-elections-2022-official-results-combined.pdf |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221017061419/https://www.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/elections/elections-2022-results/results/local-elections-2022-official-results-combined.pdf |archive-date=17 October 2022 |access-date=17 October 2022 |website=Auckland Council}}

On 23 March 2023, the Auckland Council voted by a margin of ten to ten to leave Local Government New Zealand (LGNZ), the national representative body for local councils in New Zealand. Mayor Brown used his casting vote to break the deadlock during the Council's vote. Brown said that members of the body got drunk regularly during conference meetings and that the Auckland Council could negotiate with the New Zealand Government independently. Brown also said that exiting the LGNZ would save the Auckland Council NZ$640,000 a year, helping to reduce its debt. The Auckland Council's decision to leave LGNZ was criticised as detrimental to Auckland ratepayers and cooperation with other local councils by fellow councillors Richard Hills, Andy Baker, Julie Fairey, and LGNZ President Stuart Crosby.{{cite news |last1=Orsman |first1=Bernard |title=Auckland Council quits Local Government NZ: Mayor Wayne Brown cites drinking behaviour as reason for move |url=https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/auckland-council-quits-local-government-nz-mayor-wayne-brown-cites-drinking-behaviour-as-reason-for-move/WQ4HJ2EEGFALTMQLYTAZKJDUEM/ |access-date=25 March 2023 |work=The New Zealand Herald |date=23 March 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230323083902/https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/auckland-council-quits-local-government-nz-mayor-wayne-brown-cites-drinking-behaviour-as-reason-for-move/WQ4HJ2EEGFALTMQLYTAZKJDUEM/ |archive-date=23 March 2023|url-status=live}}

File:Wayne Brown talking 2024.jpg, the Mayor of Auckland since 2022.]]

{{Main|Mayor of Auckland}}

The mayor has significant executive powers, their own staff and the ability to appoint the chairpersons of the council's committees. Some columnists stated in 2010 that the post was the second most powerful public position in New Zealand, after the prime minister.{{cite web |url=http://www.stuff.co.nz/sunday-star-times/columnists/4216080/Leadership-prize-not-all-that-potent |title=Leadership prize not all that potent |first=Michael|last=Laws |work=Sunday Star-Times |date=10 October 2010}}{{cite news |url=http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=10676625 |title=Election suffering lack of gravitas |first=Deborah |last=Hill Cone |work=The New Zealand Herald |date=28 September 2010}} However, when the Minister for the Rugby World Cup, Murray McCully, took control of the Rugby World Cup fan area on the Auckland waterfront in 2011 without first notifying mayor Len Brown,{{cite news |url=http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=10751610 |title=Rugby World Cup party gatecrashers |first=Bernard |last=Orsman |work=The New Zealand Herald |date=14 September 2011 |access-date=23 October 2011}} columnist John Armstrong declared the myth finished.{{cite news |url=http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz-government/news/article.cfm?c_id=144&objectid=10752365 |title=McCully uses authority to keep Nats in power |first=John |last=Armstrong |work=The New Zealand Herald |date=17 September 2011 |access-date=23 October 2011}}{{cite news |url=http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=10762364 |title=Len Brown: Year of the game changer |first=Bernard |last=Orsman |work=The New Zealand Herald |date=29 October 2011 |access-date=29 October 2011}}

The mayor is directly elected by voters living in the Auckland Council area every three years by postal ballot using the first-past-the-post voting system. Len Brown was elected mayor in October 2010, and re-elected for a second term in 2013. Phil Goff won the 2016 election{{cite news|date=8 October 2016|title=Phil Goff wins race to become Auckland's new mayor after claiming over 47 per cent of the vote|language=en-NZ|publisher=TVNZ|url=https://www.tvnz.co.nz/one-news/new-zealand/phil-goff-wins-race-become-aucklands-new-mayor-after-claiming-over-47-per-cent-vote|access-date=28 May 2019}} and was re-elected as mayor in 2019. In 2022, Wayne Brown was elected mayor.{{Cite news |date=8 October 2022 |title=Wayne Brown says he is 'privileged and humbled' to be Auckland's new mayor |url=https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/476303/wayne-brown-says-he-is-privileged-and-humbled-to-be-auckland-s-new-mayor |access-date=24 June 2024 |work=Radio New Zealand |language=en-nz}}

{{Clear}}

{{See also|2022 Auckland local elections}}

The governing body of the Auckland Council consists of the mayor, deputy mayor, and 19 other members. The members of the governing body are elected from thirteen wards across the Council area using the first-past-the-post system every three years at the same time as the mayor. Decision-making for the governing body's areas of oversight is done by committees, a few of which consist of the whole governing body, and most of which consist of a chairperson appointed by the mayor and a subset of the governing body members.{{cite web| url= http://www.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/en/newseventsculture/ourauckland/news/pages/howyourgoverningbodyworks.aspx |title=How your governing body works |date=24 April 2014 |publisher=Auckland Council |access-date=20 February 2018 |url-status= live|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20140702104502/http://www.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/EN/newseventsculture/OurAuckland/News/Pages/howyourgoverningbodyworks.aspx |archive-date=2 July 2014 }} The following council took office during October 2022:

{{Reflist|group="nb"}}

{{See also|2022 Auckland local board elections}}

Auckland Council has substantive CCOs and a number of smaller ones.{{cite web |title=Council-controlled organisations |url= https://www.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/about-auckland-council/how-auckland-council-works/council-controlled-organisations/Pages/default.aspx |publisher=Auckland Council |access-date=7 August 2019}}

Eke Panuku Development Auckland resulted from a merging of Auckland Council Property Ltd and Waterfront Auckland on 1 September 2015.{{cite news |title=Got some panuku? The council does |first=Bernard |last=Orsman |url= http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=11505871 |work=The New Zealand Herald |date=1 September 2015 |access-date=1 September 2015}}

Tātaki Auckland Unlimited resulted from a merging of Regional Facilities Auckland (RFA) and Auckland Tourism, Events and Economic Development (ATEED) on 1 December 2020.{{cite web |title=ATEED to merge with RFA following CCO Review |url=https://www.aucklandnz.com/node/482848 |access-date=9 April 2023}}{{better source needed|date=October 2024}}

Auckland Council Investments Limited (ACIL){{cite news|title=Auckland Council Investments Limited|date=August 2012|work=Our Auckland (Auckland Council newsletter)}} was disestablished in 2019 as part of the 10-year budget 2018–2028.

Michael Redman, formerly mayor, then chief executive of Hamilton City Council, was chief executive of Auckland Tourism, Events and Economic Development from November 2010{{cite news |title=V8 Supercar parties express concern over official audit on $40m cost |first=Nikki |last=Preston |url=http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=10761712 |work=The New Zealand Herald |date=26 October 2011 |access-date=28 October 2011}} to October 2011.{{cite news |title=Auckland events chief resigns suddenly |url=http://www.stuff.co.nz/national/5872051/Auckland-events-chief-resigns-suddenly |work=Auckland Now |date=28 October 2011 |access-date=28 October 2011}}

In March 2010, Doug McKay was announced as the inaugural chief executive officer of the council by the Auckland Transition Agency. The 54-year-old was selected ahead of 27 other candidates, including several existing council chief executives. He had no experience in local government, but was described as having strong Auckland ties, and 30 years' corporate experience. He was to receive a salary of $675,000 and an incentive bonus of $67,500.{{cite news|url=http://www.nzherald.co.nz/auckland-region/news/article.cfm?l_id=117&objectid=10634408|title=Local govt newbie to lead Super City|date=26 March 2010|work=The New Zealand Herald|access-date=26 March 2010|first=Bernard|last=Orsman}}

Left-wing political organiser Matt McCarten criticised his appointment, arguing McKay's previous tenure in the liquor industry was marked by failure to object to anti-union behaviour and strong advertising of alcohol to the youth market. McCarten argued McKay was to be paid three times the salary of the Prime Minister, had no local government or non-profit experience and was selected by an unelected transition authority.{{cite news|url=http://www.nzherald.co.nz/auckland-region/news/article.cfm?l_id=117&objectid=10634772 |title=Booze peddler to spin democracy down the toilet|date=28 March 2010|work=The New Zealand Herald|access-date=27 March 2010 |first=Matt |last=McCarten}}

Mayoral candidates John Banks and Len Brown were positive about McKay's appointment. Brown, who went on to become mayor, said McKay's business and restructuring experience was a "good fit", and would help improve economic performance as well as build links with businesses.{{cite news|url=http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PO1003/S00411.htm|title=McKay will help build links with business|date=25 March 2010|work=Press release, Len Brown campaign, via 'Scoop.co.nz'|access-date=27 March 2010}} McKay's contract ended in December 2013.

Stephen Town became chief executive on 15 January 2014.{{cite news |last1=Hargreaves |first1=David |title=Auckland appoints new council boss on $630k salary |url= https://www.interest.co.nz/news/67252/auckland-appoints-new-council-boss-630k-salary |access-date=3 March 2020 |work=Interest.co.nz |date=8 November 2013}} In early February 2020, Town announced he would not see out his term until December 2020, moving to the New Zealand Institute of Skills & Technology in early July.{{cite news |last1=Collins |first1=Simon |title=Auckland Council CEO Stephen Town to head new national polytechnic |url= https://www.nzherald.co.nz/business/news/article.cfm?c_id=3&objectid=12305872 |access-date=3 March 2020 |work=The New Zealand Herald |date=4 February 2020}}

;Auckland Plan

It is intended that the Auckland Council, as one of the major tasks of its first years, will prepare a "spatial plan" to guide Auckland's growth. This plan will cover matters such as the limits of residential development and the zoning and densities of the suburbs and areas, and will assess how elements like transport and land use are to be linked. It is intended to be one of the main documents out of which a unified District Plan will eventually grow. Some critics have noted that this spatial plan will need years to develop and CCOs would fill the policy vacuum in the meantime. Apart from conflicting with Council's plans, this might also pit CCOs against each other.{{cite news|url=http://www.stuff.co.nz/sunday-star-times/business/3477183/Erecting-a-new-dysfunction|title=Erecting a new dysfunction |first=Rod |last=Oram |date=21 March 2010|work=The Sunday Star-Times|access-date=24 March 2010}}

After the first round of plan development and public consultation, the draft plan was launched mid-2011. Commentators noted that one of the strongest discrepancies between Auckland Council's vision for Auckland and that of the John Key-led Wellington government was that the draft Auckland Plan envisaged a more contained growth (combatting sprawl by having 75% of population growth occur in existing settlement areas), while National is more favourable of relaxing constraints on new greenfields development.{{cite news|title=Gauntlet thrown down over urban sprawl|url=http://www.nzherald.co.nz/opinion/news/article.cfm?c_id=466&objectid=10748079|access-date=2 September 2011|work=The New Zealand Herald|date=29 August 2011|first=Brian|last=Rudman| author-link =Brian Rudman}} Auckland Council later changed the plan to allow 30–40% of growth in greenfield areas and satellite towns.{{Cite web|url=http://www.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/plans-projects-policies-reports-bylaws/our-plans-strategies/Pages/auckland-plan.aspx|title=The Auckland Plan|first=Auckland|last=Council|website=Auckland Council}}

Auckland Unitary Plan (Operative in part)

The Auckland Unitary Plan (Operative in part ) (AUP) guides the use of Auckland's natural and physical resources under the Resource Management Act 1991. The AUP is a combined resource management plan which includes a regional policy statement, regional coastal plan, regional plan and district plan. The AUP's district plan provisions apply throughout Auckland, except for the Hauraki Gulf Islands which is instead subject to the Auckland Council District Plan - Hauraki Gulf Islands Section.{{Cite web |last=Council |first=Auckland |title=What is the Auckland Unitary Plan? |url=http://www.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/plans-projects-policies-reports-bylaws/our-plans-strategies/unitary-plan/Pages/what-is-the-auckland-unitary-plan.aspx |access-date=2024-07-04 |website=Auckland Council |language=en}}

The AUP replaced the Auckland Regional Policy Statement, four regional plans and seven district plans of Auckland's legacy councils following amalgamation.{{Cite web |last=Council |first=Auckland |title=What is the Auckland Unitary Plan? |url=http://www.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/plans-projects-policies-reports-bylaws/our-plans-strategies/unitary-plan/Pages/what-is-the-auckland-unitary-plan.aspx |access-date=2024-07-04 |website=Auckland Council |language=en}} The AUP was prepared through a streamlined plan making process established by the Local Government (Auckland Transitional Provisions) Amendment Act 2013.{{Cite web |date=2021-02-01 |title=Resource Management Amendments 2013: Fact sheet 4: Auckland Unitary Plan |url=https://environment.govt.nz/publications/resource-management-amendments-2013-fact-sheet-4-auckland-unitary-plan/ |access-date=2024-07-04 |website=Ministry for the Environment |language=en-GB}} The AUP was publicly notified in September 2013 and received over 13,000 submissions and further submissions.{{Cite web |last=Council |first=Auckland |title=Unitary plan submissions and further submissions |url=http://www.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/plans-projects-policies-reports-bylaws/our-plans-strategies/unitary-plan/history-unitary-plan/submissions-proposed-auckland-unitary-plan/Pages/unitary-plan-submissions-further-submissions.aspx |access-date=2024-07-04 |website=Auckland Council |language=en}} The submissions were heard by an Independent Hearings Panel, chaired by Environment Court Judge D A Kirkpatrick, which provided its recommendations to Auckland Council in July 2016.{{Cite web |last=Council |first=Auckland |title=Decisions report received 2016 and 2022 |url=http://www.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/plans-projects-policies-reports-bylaws/our-plans-strategies/unitary-plan/history-unitary-plan/decisions-report-and-plan/Pages/decisions-report.aspx/ |access-date=2024-07-04 |website=Auckland Council |language=en}} The AUP was made operative in part in November 2016 with some outstanding appeals.{{Cite web |last=Council |first=Auckland |title=History of the Auckland Unitary Plan |url=https://www.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/plans-projects-policies-reports-bylaws/our-plans-strategies/unitary-plan/history-unitary-plan/Pages/history-auckland-unitary-plan.aspx|access-date=2024-07-04 |website=Auckland Council |language=en}} As of July 2024, over 100 plan changes to the AUP have been publicly notified.{{Cite web |last=Council |first=Auckland |title=List of all changes including private plan changes |url=http://www.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/plans-projects-policies-reports-bylaws/our-plans-strategies/unitary-plan/auckland-unitary-plan-modifications/proposed-plan-changes/Pages/default.aspx |access-date=2024-07-04 |website=Auckland Council |language=en}}

;Long Term Council Community Plan

The first Long Term Council Community Plan (LTCCP), the longer-term financial budget of the city, will not be produced until July 2012. Until that time, longer-term finances will be decided by the council, guided by the existing LTCCPs of the subsumed bodies.

;City Centre and Waterfront Plans

Another big focus of the planning work in the first year of the council is planning for the Auckland CBD (now called 'City Centre') and the Auckland waterfront. Including the under construction City Rail Link, these two transformations are costed at approximately $5.5 billion over 20 years. Projects proposed in the draft plans include partial or full pedestrianisation of a number of city centre streets, light rail possibilities for the Waterfront and Queen Street, turning Nelson and Hobson Street from wide one-way roads into two-way roads with more trees and urban amenity, and a waterfront walk- and cycleway.{{cite news|title=$5.5b wishlist for city centre|url=http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=10748078|access-date=2 September 2011|work=The New Zealand Herald|date=29 August 2011|page=A2|first=Bernard|last=Orsman}}

The Council owns approximately $34 billion of assets (2010),{{cite book|title=Draft Long-term Plan 2012–2022|author=Auckland Council|page=13|year=2012}} including over 100,000 hectares of open space, parks and reserves,{{cite news|title=Auckland Council – History in the Making|work=Our Auckland|agency=Auckland Council|page=5}} as well as the large transport assets administered by the Auckland Transport CCO (see that article for more detail).

Auckland Council Investments Limited (ACIL), the CCO responsible for non-transport investment assets, manages Council investments worth $2.54 billion, including a 22.4% stake in Auckland Airport worth $1.13 billion, as well as a 100% share of Ports of Auckland Limited worth $1.08 billion, and Auckland Film Studios, worth $8 million (values at May 2014).{{cite news |title=Auckland Council's investments grow |url= http://www.stuff.co.nz/business/industries/10067877/Auckland-Councils-investments-grow |work=Stuff |date=21 May 2014 |access-date=1 November 2014}}

The council owns and manages 28 regional parks around the region.{{cite web |title=Regional parks |url=https://www.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/parks-recreation/Pages/search-index.aspx |website=aucklandcouncil.govt.nz |publisher=Auckland Council}} Most of the parks were inherited from Auckland Regional Council.[http://arc.govt.nz/library/s82443_2.pdf Regional Parks Management Plan: Volume 1 Overview and Strategic Direction]

{{colbegin}}

• Ambury Regional Park
• Ātiu Creek Regional Park
• Auckland Botanic Gardens
• Āwhitu Regional Park
• Duder Regional Park
• Glenfern Sanctuary Regional Park
• Hunua Ranges Regional Park
• Long Bay Regional Park
• Mahurangi Regional Park
• Motukorea Browns Island Regional Park
• Muriwai Regional Park
• Mutukaroa / Hamlins Hill Regional Park
• Ōmana Regional Park
• Orere Point Regional Park
• Pākiri Regional Park
• Scandrett Regional Park
• Shakespear Regional Park
• Tāpapakanga Regional Park
• Tāwharanui Regional Park
• Tawhitokino Regional Park
• Te Ārai Regional Park
• Te Rau Pūriri Regional Park
• Waharau Regional Park
• Waitākere Ranges Regional Park
• Waitawa Regional Park
• Wenderholm Regional Park
• Whakanewha Regional Park
• Whakatīwai Regional Park

{{colend}}

Auckland Council rates combine the rates of the various amalgamated local councils and the Auckland Regional Council rates. For the 2011–2012 year, ratepayers are being charged the same rate as before the amalgamation, plus a 3.94% increase, with Council noting that they had achieved a much lower rates increase than originally foreseen.{{cite news|title=Now we're together we're really moving forward|work=Auckland Council rates info leaflet|date=August 2011}} Rates made up 53% of the Council's income in 2011, with the remainder being "grants, subsidies, development and financial contributions, user charges and fees".

As of 2011, 24% of the Council's money was spent on "Art services and galleries, events, museums, parks, recreation facilities and the zoo", while 22% was spent on "transport management". Further big elements were "Planning and regulation" at 14.5% and "Community services, libraries, emergency management and cemeteries" at 11.5%.

As of 2016, 38% of rates were spent on "transport", 27% on "parks, community and lifestyle", 16% on "environmental management and regulation", 8% on "Auckland development", 6% on "Economic and cultural development" and 5% on "governance and support".{{cite news|title=Combined Rates Assessment and Tax Invoice – How your rates are spent (flyer with rates notice)|agency=Auckland Council|date=November 2016}}

Some aspects of the reorganisation were contentious, such as whether all of the Auckland Region should be integrated into the super city, and whether the new structure allowed sufficient local democracy."[http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=10599962 Govt papers reveal another Rodney plan]". The New Zealand Herald. 28 September 2009.

Critics argued that there was little space for "local" democracy in the new "local government" setup for Auckland, with the proposed "local boards" having little power, such as having no funding or staff of their own, and being forbidden from undertaking numerous government roles, especially where those roles might clash with regional functions such as transport or utilities.{{Citation needed|date=March 2010}} Local Government Minister Rodney Hide, in the opinion of The New Zealand Herald, ignored concerns about the "powerlessness" of the local boards.{{cite news |url=http://www.nzherald.co.nz/opinion/news/article.cfm?c_id=466&objectid=10631829 |title=Editorial: CCO plan mocks democracy |date=14 March 2010 |work=The New Zealand Herald |access-date=14 March 2010}} Hide argued that "local boards will engage like never before" and "represent their local communities and make decisions on local issues, activities and facilities".{{cite news |url=http://www.nzherald.co.nz/local-government/news/article.cfm?c_id=250&objectid=10629699 |title=Rodney Hide: Local boards will engage like never before |date=4 March 2010 |work=The New Zealand Herald |access-date=14 March 2010}}

A further concern was that candidates for local boards would have to campaign without knowing the scope of the local board's financial resources, and that a salary for a local board member of around $37,100 was insufficient for what amounted to a full-time position.{{cite news |title=Local board nominees to stand without budget data |url=http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=10659701 |author=Bernard Orsman |work=The New Zealand Herald |date=19 July 2010 |access-date=24 July 2010}}

Numerous residents of and (to some degree) the councils of the Franklin and Rodney Districts opposed their inclusion in the new supercity, and instead campaigned for retention of their councils, or inclusion with other, more rural-focused councils in the north (such as merging the areas north of Puhoi with the Kaipara District area) or the south.

There was a perception that these rural areas would receive very little benefit in terms of infrastructure for their rates' money, and that they would be swallowed up by an Auckland that has different interests and character than their communities.{{cite news |url=http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=10635969&pnum=0 |title=Rebels at the gate |date=3 April 2010 |work=The New Zealand Herald |access-date=3 April 2010 |first=Geoff |last=Cumming}} Politicians such as Rodney Hide answered that inclusion is necessary to allow a regional approach to the wider interests of the region, and that tangible benefits would ensue for all of Auckland's communities. Also, that changing the boundaries in 2010 would have a domino effect on the restructuring of the ward system for the future Auckland councillors. In turn, the opponents of inclusion argued that big-city developers preferred the inclusion of the rural areas in the Auckland Council boundaries to make development and new subdivision of rural land easier.

Several editorialists criticised the size and composition of wards for the election of Auckland Council councillors. The criticism ranged from the wards being too big (and thus throwing together communities with few common interests), to some ward boundary lines being drawn against the local understanding of what constituted their community.

More serious criticism was centred around the fact that urban wards contained significantly more people than some rural wards (and thus received less influence in the future Council per person) and regarding the small number of Councillors for all of Auckland (with fewer Councillors per head than Aucklanders have MPs representing them in Parliament),{{cite web |url=http://transportblog.co.nz/2010/03/11/super-city-structure-still-unfair/ |title=Super City structure still unfair |date=11 March 2010 |work=Local Government Commission via Auckland Transport Blog |access-date=15 March 2010| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20100313073340/http://transportblog.co.nz/2010/03/11/super-city-structure-still-unfair/| archive-date= 13 March 2010 | url-status= live}} and the institution of two-member wards (meaning that contenders would have to field much larger and more costly election campaigns). Editorialist Brian Rudman accused the Local Government Commission of attempted gerrymandering in its draft proposal for one particular ward.{{cite news |url=http://www.nzherald.co.nz/brian-rudman/news/article.cfm?a_id=1&objectid=10632053 |title=Fix-up misses more wrong lines |date=15 March 2010 |work=The New Zealand Herald |access-date=15 March 2010 |first=Brian |last=Rudman}}

In early 2010 a further dispute emerged. As set out in the third bill establishing the future Auckland Council, major functions (such as transport, water services and Auckland waterfront development) were to be devolved into council-controlled organisations (CCOs) controlled by unelected boards, operating at "arm's length" from Council. This separation, as argued by backers of the move, had become necessary due to "local politicians [having] failed to deliver the results expected of them."

The Government's plan to outsource the majority of the council's functions was decried by numerous people (including the main mayoral contenders, Len Brown, and to a lesser degree, John Banks) and groups across the political and societal spectrum – from the Auckland Regional Council and many community boards,{{cite news |url= http://www.nzherald.co.nz/public-transport/news/article.cfm?c_id=536&objectid=10630787&pnum=2 |title=City powerless on its biggest issue |first=Bernard |last=Orsman |work=The New Zealand Herald |date=9 March 2010 |access-date=11 March 2010}} to Local Government New Zealand,{{cite news |url= http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=10632459 |title=Super City tweaks still an option – PM |date=17 March 2010 |work=The New Zealand Herald |access-date=17 March 2010 |first=Derek |last=Cheng}} and organisations considered to be National Party-friendly such as the Auckland Chamber of Commerce and the Employers & Manufacturers Association.{{cite news |url= http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=10630589 |title=This is a recipe for tears before bedtime |date=8 March 2010 |work=The New Zealand Herald |access-date=10 March 2010 |first=Brian |last=Rudman}} Supporters included the New Zealand Council for Infrastructure Development, a right-wing think tank.{{cite news |url= http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=10632057 |title=Big-business lobbyist backs CCOs |date=15 March 2010 |work=The New Zealand Herald |access-date=17 March 2010 |first=Bernard |last=Orsman}}

The introduction of Auckland Transport, the CCO for transport functions (with more than half the city's future rate spend), was discouraged even by the government's own Treasury and Department of Internal Affairs, as well as other departments.{{cite news |url=http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=10630578 |title=Super City CCOs: Good and bad facets to business units |date=8 March 2010 |work=The New Zealand Herald |access-date=10 March 2010}}

The main proponents of the CCO system, Prime Minister John Key, Local Government Minister Rodney Hide and Transport Minister Steven Joyce, remained adamant about the introduction (and the appropriateness) of the system.{{cite news |url= http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=10630833 |title=Auckland lockout – Key backs CCO plan |date=9 March 2009 |work=The New Zealand Herald |access-date=14 March 2010 |first=Bernard |last=Orsman}}{{cite news |url= http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=10631260 |title=Joyce adamant on city transport giant |date=11 March 2010 |work=The New Zealand Herald |access-date=14 March 2010 |first=Bernard |last=Orsman}} Others, like the New Zealand Council for Infrastructure Development called the claim that the mayor and council would have no ability to hold the CCOs accountable "farcial nonsense".

The New Zealand Herald, Auckland's largest newspaper, ran a series of articles and editorials in March 2010 criticising the proposed move, which was described as "The lockout of Auckland", arguing that elected councillors would have little control over the day-to-day decisions, and potentially even over massive changes such as Auckland's waterfront development or the city's transport focus. The main Herald editorials noted that the CCO concept introduced "undemocratic elements" in a number of ways, and "could not stand". They also noted that saddling the super city with this system would be the most serious handicap, and a recipe for a "frustrated and disappointed citizenry".{{cite news |url= http://www.nzherald.co.nz/opinion/news/article.cfm?c_id=466&objectid=10631758 |title=Editorial: CCO powers show scale of civic shut-out |date=13 March 2010 |work=The New Zealand Herald|access-date=14 March 2010}}

Several editorialists went even further and accused the ACT party, and especially Rodney Hide, of preparing Auckland's assets for a sell-off, and of setting up the structure to allow it even before Aucklanders got to vote on the matter – all under the guise of a "manufactured crisis".{{cite news|url=http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=10632417|title=John Minto: Unelected positions spell trouble for ratepayers|date=17 March 2010|work=The New Zealand Herald|access-date=19 March 2010}}{{cite news |url= http://www.nzherald.co.nz/opinion/news/article.cfm?c_id=466&objectid=10631825 |title=Auckland's riches to be handed to corporate cronies|date=14 March 2010|work=Herald on Sunday|access-date=14 March 2010 |first=Matt |last=McCarten}} Others, while criticising the lack of democratic oversight, dismissed concerns about asset sales, noting that amalgamation was likely to result in surplus real estate.{{cite news |url= http://www.nzherald.co.nz/opinion/news/article.cfm?c_id=466&objectid=10631663&pnum=0 |title=Who'd be mayor if you can head CCO |first=John |last=Roughan |date=13 March 2010|work=The New Zealand Herald|access-date=14 March 2010}}

The Sunday Star-Times noted in an editorial that "we'll merely end up trading in political dysfunction for a quasi-commercial dysfunction forced on us by the National-led government." It also criticised, in the case of Auckland Transport, that with most of the expertise, staff and planning ability being held in the "semi-autonomous" CCO, the council would not have the central planning and policy role as claimed by the proponents of the system, but would instead have to share (or compete for) this role with Auckland Transport. It also argued that the Royal Commission suggested a strong council and subservient CCOs, not vice versa.

New Zealand Local Government magazine followed the story, and criticised the lack of transparency that would ensue from establishing independent CCOs.{{cite news|url=http://www.localgovernmentmag.co.nz/News/LatestNews/tabid/387/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/847/Super-City-finances--who-can-tell.aspx |title=Super City finances – who can tell? |date=20 April 2010 |work=New Zealand Local Government Magazine |access-date=25 February 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110724192849/http://www.localgovernmentmag.co.nz/News/LatestNews/tabid/387/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/847/Super-City-finances--who-can-tell.aspx |archive-date=24 July 2011 }}

The changes were seen as a potential "neutering" of the power of the new Auckland mayor to implement the policies on which he would be elected.{{cite news |url=http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=10630595 |title=The lockout of Auckland|date=8 March 2010|work=The New Zealand Herald|access-date=10 March 2010 |first=Bernard |last=Orsman}} Further criticism was the lack of accountability of the proposed CCOs, which would not have to hold public board meetings, or provide agendas or minutes. Groups such as 'Heart of the City' (the Auckland CBD business association) also called for stronger oversight and mayoral powers over the CCOs.{{cite news |title=Alex Swney: One simple step to avoid spectacular failure |url=http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=10638414&pnum=0 |access-date=26 July 2010 |work=The New Zealand Herald |date=15 April 2010}}

One of the proposals that was hotly criticised by some during the initial Royal Commission proposal was the provision of elected Māori members of the council (analogous to the Māori seat representation in Parliament).

This was later dropped from the relevant establishing laws. However, it later became clear that instead, the city's new Independent Maori Statutory Board, appointed by Te Puni Kōkiri, would receive "broadly ordained powers". These included the right to send one or two delegates, with full voting powers, to any council committee meeting, and dealing with "the management and stewardship of natural and physical resources". This unelected representation of Māori on committees voting on matters such as transport and infrastructure, as well as the fact that the advisory board requested (and initially received) a $3.4 million yearly budget, created significant public concern and debate.{{cite news|title=Brian Rudman: Show 'em who's boss, council|url=http://www.nzherald.co.nz/politics/news/article.cfm?c_id=280&objectid=10705559|access-date=11 February 2011|work=The New Zealand Herald|date=11 February 2011}}{{cite news|title=Minister, mayor at odds over Maori board|url=http://www.radionz.co.nz/news/regional/68240/minister,-mayor-at-odds-over-maori-board|access-date=11 February 2011|work=Radio New Zealand|date=11 February 2011}}

In early July 2018, Mayor Phil Goff announced that the far-right Canadian speakers Lauren Southern and Stefan Molyneux would not be allowed to speak at any Auckland Council premises on the grounds that their presence would stir up religious and ethnic tensions. The two Canadian speakers are known for their controversial views on feminism, gender, Islam, and migration. Southern and Molyneux had booked the Bruce Mason Centre in the North Shore for a speaking event on 3 August 2018.{{cite news |last1=Hatton |first1=Emma |title=Far-right pair banned from speaking at Auckland Council venues – Phil Goff |url=https://www.radionz.co.nz/news/national/361220/far-right-pair-banned-from-speaking-at-auckland-council-venues-phil-goff |access-date=8 July 2018 |publisher=Radio New Zealand |date=6 July 2018}}{{cite news |title=Phil Goff bans Right wing speakers from talking in Council venues |url=http://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/news/national/mayor-bans-controversial-canadian-pair-from-talking-in-auckland-council-venues/ |access-date=8 July 2018 |publisher=Newstalk ZB |date=6 July 2018}}

File:Stephen Berry speaking at the Free Speech Coalition protest, Auckland 2018.jpg speaking at the Free Speech Coalition protest in defence of Southern and Molyneux, Auckland 2018{{cite news |last1=Braae |first1=Alex |title=What did the Free Speech protestors actually have to say? |url=https://thespinoff.co.nz/politics/14-07-2018/what-did-the-free-speech-protestors-actually-have-to-say/ |access-date=4 April 2021 |publisher=The Spinoff |date=14 July 2018}}]]In response to the Mayor's decision, a group calling themselves the Free Speech Coalition initiated a fundraising campaign to mount a judicial review of the Auckland Council's decision, raising NZ$50,000 within 24 hours of their launch.{{cite news |last1=Truebridge |first1=Nick |last2=Niall |first2=Todd |title=Call for judicial review of Auckland Council agency's blocking of far-right speakers |url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/auckland/105349668/call-for-judicial-review-of-auckland-council-agencys-blocking-of-farright-speakers |access-date=10 July 2018 |publisher=Stuff |date=9 July 2018}}{{cite news |last1=Whyte |first1=Anna |title=$50K raised for judicial review after controversial speakers banned from Auckland Council venues 37 min agoShare |url=https://www.tvnz.co.nz/one-news/new-zealand/-50k-raised-judicial-review-after-controversial-speakers-banned-auckland-council-venues |access-date=10 July 2018 |publisher=1News |date=10 July 2018}} This group consisted of several business leaders, academics, lawyers, and journalists, including the former Labour President Michael Bassett, former National and ACT parties leader Don Brash, Property Institute chief executive Ashley Church, Auckland University of Technology historian Paul Moon, left-wing commentator Chris Trotter, and New Zealand Taxpayers' Union Jordan Williams.{{cite news |title=Campaign to force Auckland Council to respect free speech |url=http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PO1807/S00104/campaign-to-force-auckland-council-to-respect-free-speech.htm |access-date=10 July 2018 |agency=Scoop |publisher=Free Speech Coalition |date=9 July 2018}} On 18 July, the Free Speech Coalition filed legal proceedings against Mayor Goff and the Auckland Council after a failed attempt to broker a deal with Goff and the council to reinstate Southern and Molyneux's speaking event.{{cite news |title=Free Speech Coalition files legal action against Phil Goff |url=https://www.newshub.co.nz/home/new-zealand/2018/07/free-speech-coalition-files-legal-action-against-phil-goff.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180718174348/https://www.newshub.co.nz/home/new-zealand/2018/07/free-speech-coalition-files-legal-action-against-phil-goff.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=18 July 2018 |access-date=18 July 2018 |publisher=Newshub |date=18 July 2018}}{{cite news |last1=Niall |first1=Todd |title=Free Speech Coalition tries to broker deal with council over banned speakers |url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/auckland/105564504/free-speech-coalition-tries-to-broker-deal-with-council-over-banned-speakers |access-date=18 July 2018 |publisher=Stuff |date=18 July 2018}}{{cite news |last1=Niall |first1=Todd |last2=Truebridge |first2=Nick |title=Court proceedings filed against Auckland Council for barring Canadian speakers |url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/auckland/105583397/free-speech-coalition-files-proceedings-against-auckland-council-for-barring-canadian-speakers |access-date=18 July 2018 |publisher=Stuff |date=18 July 2018}}

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• [https://www.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/ Auckland Council official website]
• [https://www.ata.govt.nz/web/cms_ata.nsf Auckland Transition Agency]

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Category:Politics of the Auckland Region

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