Our 2011 election manifesto - Labour Party

AUCKLAND ISSUES
Our vision
Labour recognises that Auckland is a national asset. It is our largest city, it is home to 31
per cent of New Zealanders, it is our international gateway, and it is our largest commercial
centre and wealth creator.
The next Labour government will build on Auckland‟s strengths and create meaningful
partnerships with local government, business and the community. We will restore proper
democracy so that local people feel confident that their voice is being heard. We will
empower the Auckland Council to effectively represent those local people, to act in their best
interests, and to make Auckland the most successful city it can be.
A Super City that works
Labour has promoted the concept of a larger, combined Auckland Council to improve
governance, representation, efficiency and affordability in Auckland local government.
However the „Super City‟ council that has been set up by National does not achieve those
aims.
National set up an over-centralised and corporatised super city. Super city laws do not
guarantee local communities a strong voice. Too much power has been handed to handpicked
corporate boards.
Labour recognises that it will take strong backing from central government to make Auckland
a success. Rather than undermining local government decisions, as National is doing with
Mayor Len Brown‟s plans for a modern rail system, Labour believes central government
should listen to what the local people want and support the council in implementing its
decisions.
Labour will fix the super city‟s democracy: enshrine powers of local boards, transition
from the appointed Māori Statutory Board to elected Māori seats, repeal the law that
imposes a corporatised transport agency, and review the governance and democracy
laws and structures after two years.
Labour believes the only way to successfully tackle Auckland‟s big problems and
opportunities, is by central government working hand in hand with Auckland Council:
Labour will set up a Common Accountability Platform for Auckland – Ministers,
representatives and officials of central government will agree common priorities with
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