The chair of the Royal Commission on Auckland Governance says he is concerned about a key change the Government made to the plans for a super-city.
Former High Court judge Peter Salmon QC says scrapping the six proposed district councils in favour of 20 to 30 community boards will cost more and be less effective.
Mr Salmon has told a Property Council meeting in Auckland that the commission considered it important for the new Auckland Council to remain focused on regional issues.
He says the Auckland Council which is now proposed would almost certainly become directly involved in local issues to the detriment of important regional matters.
Mr Salmon says if the second tier of local government in Auckland is to be effective, it will need staff and premises.
Local Government Rodney Hide has defended the changes made by the Government. He told Morning Report that good local representation is key to making the super-city work.
