One of the many lessons I’ve learned from a decade in local government is the importance for Auckland Council of cultivating a strong relationship with central government. This holds true regardless of personal views and who is currently sitting on the parliamentary benches.
Why? Because to a large degree their decisions can save us money, cost us money, deliver infrastructure benefits, delay projects or speed up projects. In the Ōrākei ward, a shared path project from Glen Innes to Tamaki Dr has been underway for some time. This project was first started under the Key government and after a strong start, initially stalled when the government changed ‘colour’. However with careful negotiation, this project, which is co-funded by both central government and Auckland Council, is now back on track.
Central government has stepped up to fund all of the most expensive section as council finances recover from the impact of Covid-19. On the other hand, during the election the government promised to fund Skypath, a walking and cycling link across the Harbour Bridge, which they own. Regardless of whether you support this project or not, that announcement means Auckland Council now has to fast-track the consenting and associated money to ensure the end to end work is done to meet the deadlines imposed by central government and to make the project viable.
I work closely with a number of central government MPs in my role as Ōrākei ward councillor: David Seymour (ACT) MP for Epsom; Simon O’Connor (National) MP for Tāmaki and Paul Goldsmith (National List MP) who lives in Remuera. We often collaborate on local issues where our responsibilities overlap and through that co-operation and joint advocacy we can achieve positive outcomes for our constituents.
So, what are the differences in the roles of central and local government representatives?
Central government takes care of the ‘big stuff’ which affects all of New Zealand such as health, education, justice, foreign policy. Unsurprisingly, local government focuses on local matters such as roading and water infrastructure, waste, public transport and libraries. There is inevitable overlap between projects, which is why good communication and partnerships are key.
Local authorities raise much of our own funds, although central government does provide funding and subsidies towards particular activities such as roading and public transport. This is a good example of where the relationship is key. Our city’s bus network, and the roads they run on, are the responsibility of the Auckland Council family through Auckland Transport (AT); whereas our motorways are administered and maintained by Waka Kotahi New Zealand Transport Authority (NZTA), a central government entity.
In addition to sharing the tasks of government, local government provides effective accountability through greater engagement and opportunities for citizen participation.
Councils’ varying policies recognise that preferences differ between New Zealand’s diverse communities on issues where a one-size-fits-all approach may not be appropriate.
With Christmas fast approaching, I’m sure many of you will breathe a sigh of relief as 2020 draws to a close. It’s been a rollercoaster year with Covid-19 being the major disrupter. Challenges have also included lockdown-associated economic woes; the worst drought on record; and a crash requiring partial closure of the Harbour Bridge to name but a few.
With limitations on overseas travel many of us will look to staycations or holidays within New Zealand.
We are incredibly lucky here in New Zealand where some of the best things to see and do are actually right in our own backyard - have you visited the gun emplacements next to the
Michael Joseph Savage Memorial? Or seen the very impressive, large, and old pōhutukawa in Dove-Myer Robinson Park?
Without the usual hordes of overseas tourists, now’s the time if you’ve always wanted to try some of our great walks or some of the spectacular off-road cycle routes – check out doc.govt.nz and nzcycletrail.com for more details. Keep safe these summer holidays, enjoy any time off you might have and look after yourselves. Bring on 2021!