Invitation for alternative applications for local government reorganisation in the Auckland Council area
The Local Government Commission has received an application for reorganisation of local government from the Northern Action Group.
The application is for the establishment of a new unitary authority in the North Rodney area. The new unitary authority would assume the responsibilities and functions currently held by Auckland Council in the North Rodney area (from the Waiwera River in the south-east and the Makarau River in the south-west to the Kaipara District Council boundary in the north).
The Commission decided at a meeting on 14 April 2016 that, in respect of the Northern Action Group application:
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- the whole of the area currently falling within the Auckland Council boundaries (referred to as the Auckland Council area) is the affected area; and
- there is evidence of demonstrable community support for reorganisation of local government in the Auckland Council area.
The Commission’s decision on affected area means that Auckland Council is and remains the only affected local authority in relation to the Northern Action Group application.
The Commission invites alternative applications for local government reorganisation in the Auckland Council area pursuant to clause 9 of Schedule 3 of the Local Government Act 2002. Alternative applications may be made by any person, body or group.
Any alternative applications received will be considered by the Commission along with the original application made by the Northern Action Group. The Commission will then identify the reasonably practicable options for local government of the Auckland Council area, which will include existing local government arrangements, before identifying its preferred option.
The deadline for the Commission to receive alternative applications is Friday, 24 June 2016. Alternative applications received after that date may be declined.
A description of the required contents of an alternative application is set out in clauses 5 and 10 of Schedule 3 of the Act. A link to the legislation is available on the Commission’s website – see below. Alternatively the relevant legislation can be accessed via the New Zealand Government website. It is likely that access to online legislation may also be obtained through assistance from staff of local public libraries.
Alternative applications should be addressed to:
Chief Executive Officer
Local Government Commission
PO Box 5362
WELLINGTON 6145
Electronic versions of alternative applications are acceptable and may be emailed to info@lgc.govt.nz In this case supplementary hard copies would be appreciated particularly for appendices and other background information difficult to read in electronic form.
A copy of the summary of reasons for the Commission’s decisions, the Commission’s reorganisation guidelines, and the original Northern Action Group application may be obtained from the Commission, along with any requests for further information or queries, as follows:
Phone: (04) 460 2228
Email: info@lgc.govt.nz
Postal Address: PO Box 5362, Wellington 6145
Sandra Preston
Chief Executive Officer