Mike Lee pretty much hits the nail on the head with CCO’s and Auckland Transport:
According to the explanatory note to the third bill currently being deliberated by the select committee, the Super City was intended to “create one Auckland, which has strong regional governance, integrated decision making, greater community engagement and improved value for money”.
But what has become quite obvious is that Auckland isn’t getting this at all.
He bullet points the unacceptable features of Auckland Transport:
- The Auckland Council will be unable to appoint (or dismiss) the Auckland Transport chair and deputy chair.
- Auckland Transport is not required by legislation to act in accordance with the requirements of its shareholder (the Auckland Council).
- The Auckland Transport Board is not made accountable to the Auckland Council.
- The Auckland Council may be able to make changes to Auckland Transport’s statement of intent but, unlike the Crown Entities Act, this bill has no specific provision requiring Auckland Transport to act in accordance with this statement of intent.
- Auckland Transport is not required to give effect to the Regional Land Transport Strategy, or any other Auckland Council policy that relates to the transport agency.
- Auckland Transport could set up companies, sell assets and enter into major financial commitments without the approval of Auckland Council, even where the transactions may leave the council with significant liabilities or commitments.
- Auckland Transport won’t be required to have regard for the wider land use and development objectives of the Auckland Council.
As we pointed out in our own submission, you can also add the following to the list, because Auckland Transport does not have to comply with cetain provisions of the Local Government Act:
- Auckland Transport will not have to comply with its statement of intent
- In any case, Auckland Transport’s statement of intent requirements are fairly undefined
- Because it is exempt from Sec 75 of the Local Government Act, Auckland Transport will not have to comply with the Official Information Act.
