Wagner Nicky: Local Government (Auckland Council) Amendment Bill (No 2) — First ReadingText is incorporated into the Bound VolumeWagner Nicky: Local Government (Auckland Council) Amendment Bill (No 2) — First Reading[Sitting date: 05 June 2013. Volume:690;Page:10795. Text is incorporated into the Bound Volume.]NICKY WAGNER (National—Christchurch Central): Talofa lava Mr Assistant Speaker. As we have heard from the very good Minister of Local Government Chris Tremain this Local Government (Auckland Council) Amendment Bill (No 2) amends the Local Government (Auckland Council) Act 2009 and it enables Auckland’s 21 local boards to delegate various functions and powers to committees of the local board or to a council officer. These powers were originally provided by transitional regulations in 2010 after Cabinet agreed that local boards should have the power to delegate although there are some limitations in terms of local representation the local board’s agreement for its area and the management of by-laws.The regulations were an interim measure. They allowed time for a better understanding of local boards’ operations to develop which then could be cemented into amending legislation. We need to pass this bill now because on 31 October this year the transitional powers will expire. The Auckland Council supports this legislation because it believes that the powers to delegate for local boards enable them to operate efficiently and effectively. The system is working well so now is the time for legislation rather than further regulation. This legislation will give effect to the present reality. It will provide certainty for the Auckland Council and its local boards and then local boards will be able to continue their important work.Let me make it clear: this bill does not change anything. It just replicates the current provisions and does not add any new policy.Chris Hipkins: So what’s the point?NICKY WAGNER: Well the point is said: the point is it will replace transitional regulations that will expire at the end of October OK? This is part of National’s BetterLocal Government reforms which is a programme to build a more productive and competitive economy and better public services for New Zealanders. The reforms are designed to focus councils on operating more efficiently and to help them be more fiscally responsible.The form of Auckland’s local government was recommended by the Royal Commission on Auckland Governance. The royal commission identified that the regional governance in the area was weak and fragmented and it recommended a new structure for Auckland to give it more common identity and purpose. Although it has taken some time for the changes to embed the reforms have helped the Auckland Council focus on its planning process and on its core role of providing local infrastructure public services and regulatory functions at least cost to households and businesses.This bill is essential to provide continuing powers for Auckland’s local boards to delegate responsibilities duties and powers. It will ensure that the system which is working well and is supported by all levels of local government can continue to operate. I support this bill to the House.