Our Council
A note from North Shore City Council Chief Executive John Brockies Welcome to this update on the changing face of local government in Auckland.

Working towards the new council
As our local community groups come to grips with the coming changes, they are consolidating their sector groups. For example many of the arts groups have begun meeting regularly to consider the impacts and opportunities that will come with the reforms. Several groups that have a business or community relationship with the council have asked for a council representative to discuss the transition process. We are happy to attend these meetings. Contact Actionline, phone (09) 486 8600 or email if you wish to have a council representative attend your meeting.

Major conference on the North Shore - register now for 20 November
North Shore community groups are hosting a major conference on social issues in the new ‘super city’ environment. Speakers include Government Ministers and other major players in the social policy sector in Auckland. There will also be a Mayoral debate. Several councils throughout the region are supporting this community led initiative. More

Latest survey results
An online survey of 1,091 people gave our councillors an overview of community views as they prepared their submission for the Local Government Commission. The full results and media release can be read here.

Staffing becoming clearer
On 2 November 2009, the Auckland Transition Agency released a discussion document that will help to shape the administration of the new Auckland Council. Given the information we have received to date it is difficult to gauge the impact on jobs with any certainty. Our commitment is to do our best to ensure that all external stakeholder relationships are effectively transferred to Auckland Council.

John Brockies
Chief Executive

What's Happening
Local Government Act review
The Minister of Local Government Rodney Hide has announced more detail on the reforms to the Local Government Act. He has made it clear that he wants to see councils keep rates rises to a minimum and focus on ‘core services’ such as roading, water and sewage infrastructure. He expects to introduce new legislation to Parliament late this year or early next year. More

What's next?
The Local Government Commission will release its draft boundaries on 20 November. Public submissions will close on 11 December. The final decisions on the new boundaries are due on 1 March next year. More

Our Community
Meetings and events
You are invited to attend any of the following meetings and seminars. Please follow registration procedures where applicable.

Conference: Passing Go: Social wellbeing in the new Auckland Council. Register now to secure your place at this important communtiy led conference on 20 November. More

Regional Arts Sector Meeting: The second in a series of meetings of arts sector organisations across the region to consider impacts, implications and opportunities arising from the Auckland transition. The date is not yet confirmed, but if you would like to know more, follow the link to register your interest with the Creative People's Centre. More

Community meeting: The Auckland Council and what it means to you on Monday 7 December from 12noon - 2pm. Taitamariki Hall, Auburn Reserve, Auburn Street, Takapuna. Speaker: Dr Grant Hewison from Kensington Swan lawyers. More

Where to find more information
Some useful websites. More
Media links. More