Govt likely to reduce further the number of at large seats for Auckland

The NZ Herald reports:

The Royal Commission on Auckland Governance recommended a mix of 10 ward and 10 at-large councillors.

But it is understood the Government and Mr Hide could live with a council of ward-only councillors if that were the strong view of submitters.

Another option is to increase the number of ward councillors to 18 and reduce at-large councillors to six.

Here is where Labour has very confused messages. The one thing they are most oppossed to, is the at large seats. Yet they also compalin that the Government is changing the decisions of the Royal Commission, when it was the Royal Commission itself that went for a massive ten at large seats.

The Royal Commission had ten at large seats recommended (plus arguably two Maori seats at large). The Government’s response reduced this to eight, and now according to the Herald may reduce it further to six. Looks to me like a Government responding to feedback.

So why is Labour so desperate to get rid of the at large seats? Well mainly because it will make it harder for them to gain control of the new Council. Labour actively stands for local Councils, and will no doubt be fielding a ticket for Mayor and Council. Their concern is about how best to gain power in Auckland – not about what is best for Auckland.

As it so happens, I have also oppossed at large seats. I’ve blogged several times that I woud prefer they are done away with. I’ve taken this position, even though it is true that doing away with them may benefit Labour gaining control. The reason I oppose them is simply because I don’t think you get informed decision making when there are too many names to be selected on a ballot paper. The original proposal of 10 at large would have led to voters having to pick 10 candidates out of a field oh probably 50 or more. It would be like the DHB elections.

Only six at large mitigates the issue somewhat. But I still think six is too many for well informed decision making. If you are asking people to choose more than a couple of candidates, then it becomes a contest on name recognition, not picking the best candidate.

It is likely to pass a bill under urgency next month to set up an establishment board with the complex, and controversial job of restructuring the eight councils into the super council in less than 18 months.

Victorious Rugby World Cup captain-turned-businessman David Kirk, former Commonwealth Secretary-General Sir Don McKinnon and NZ Post chief John Allen are being mentioned as possible board heads.

Other names mentioned are Fletcher Building chairman Roderick Deane, who is believed to have turned down the job, Professor John Hood, former vice-chancellor of Auckland and Oxford universities, former Labour Cabinet minister and Wellington Mayor Fran Wilde, and accountant Brian Roche, who has scored a raft of public sector appointments and is familiar with Auckland’s problems.

I’d pick Fran Wilde. Fran would sort those Auckland Mayors out in quick time, and get the CEOs working together to form the new Super City. And God help anyone who steps out of line.