Local Government Centre (LGC)

This section contains a series of papers and submissions prepared by MDL Executive Director Peter McKinlay, as Director of the Local Government Centre at AUT University, and colleagues at the Centre.

The Future Governance of the Auckland Region: Implications for the Remainder of the Local Government Sector 2009
Conference paper
This paper was prepared by Peter McKinlay to outline the implications of Auckland's governance reform for the rest of the local government sector. It concentrates on the emergence of regional governance (which is related to but different from regional government) as a critical element in governance.

Governance for Auckland Leadership – What Are We Looking For? 2009
Conference paper
This paper was presented by Peter McKinlay to the Conference on Auckland Governance. It discusses what will be needed to make the future leadership of Auckland effective at both the regional and local levels.

The future governance of the Auckland region: the place of the tertiary education sector 2008
Submission
Peter McKinlay assisted the tertiary subcommittee of the Committee for Auckland in drafting its submission to the Royal Commission. The Committee’s evidence-based submission emphasises the need for closer integration between the planning and delivery of tertiary education services widely defined, and the region's economic and social development.

The future governance of the Auckland region: a discussion paper on possible options 2008
Paper
This paper looks at current trends in metropolitan governance internationally.

A discussion paper on amalgamation: lessons from international experience 2008
Paper
This paper considers arguments and research evidence for and against amalgamation as compared with other options for improving local government efficiency such as shared services.

A discussion paper on possible options for local governance - the role of scale, function and engagement in effective local governance 2008
Paper
This paper reviews options for governance at the neighbourhood or community level. The research it reviews suggests that Auckland, and by extension New Zealand, has a 'democratic deficit' at this level.

Different options for the structure of Auckland local government: observations on governance 2008
Paper
This paper draws together the themes from the three previous papers and presents a set of options for the future of metropolitan governance in Auckland.

Submission to the Royal Commission on Auckland Governance from the Local Government Centre 2008
Submission
This is the Centre's submission to the Royal Commission, setting out its recommendations.

Submission to the Royal Commission on Auckland Governance from the Local Government Centre: Additional hearings material 2008
Paper
This paper sets out additional evidence and argument in support of the Centre's submission.