EDITORIAL: Steam rollered!

Ewan McDonald | 25th February 2010

There's been fury at the pace of the National-led, Act-driven Government's changes to Auckland's councils. This timeline shows just how little time there's been for thought or public input into the biggest shakeup in New Zealand local body history.

October 2007 Royal Commission of Inquiry into Auckland Governance established by Clark Government.

March 31, 2008 After extensive consultation and over 3500 written submissions, the commission makes its recommendations.

November 8, 2008 National-led Government wins election.

April 7, 2009 Local Government Minister Rodney Hide unveils his plan.

May 22 Watercare CEO Mark Ford appointed to chair an Auckland Transition Agency to convert the existing eight authorities into a single Auckland Council.

May 23 Government passes the Local Government (Tamaki Makaurau Reorganisation) Act 2009 under urgency, which prevents debate, giving the transition agency powers to establish one Auckland Council.

May 25 7000-strong hikoi through Auckland demands Maori seats, serves as focus for wider objections.

September 4 Goverment unveils blueprint for 19 local boards, no Maori seats.

September 22 Local Government (Auckland Council) Act 2009 passed: second bill sets out structure and functions, duties and powers of the council.

December 15 Government tables the Local Government (Auckland Law Reform) Bill right on Christmas, giving less than two months over January holidays for submissions.

February 2010 (indicative date only) Transition Agency is due to appoint an Interim Chief Executive, as well as finalise and release the organisational structure of new Auckland Council.

February 12 Submissions close on Bill.

February 22 Hearings on submissions.

February/March (indicative date only) Transition Agency will begin a "council staff placement exercise"; Momentum, a company headed by National Party activists Michelle Boag and Dame Jenny Shipley, will lead the exercise.

February (indicative date only) Transition Agency will release a discussion document on the roles and functions of local boards.

March 1 Local Government Commission to announce final decisions on boundaries of the Auckland Council wards, and the names, number and boundaries of local boards.

March (indicative date only) Transition Agency will release a discussion document on CCOs (Council Controlled Organisations).

March Hide will introduce his Transparency, Accountability and Fiscal Management In Local Government Bill.

May Third Bill expected to be enacted.

August-November (dates uncertain) All staff transferred to new organisations.

October 9 Elections for new council (including Mayor and councillors) and local boards.

November 1 First day of the new Auckland Council and other entities.