The Impact of Auckland’s New Governance Arrangements on Community Engagement

Abstract

The aim of this research was to identify the impact of Auckland's new regional governance structure on community engagement, particularly at the local level. A case study was undertaken on each of three principal institutional elements in the new structure: local boards, council controlled organisations (CCOs), and advisory panels. The case studies explored new community engagement mechanisms that were introduced in relation to these institutions. Through a review of secondary data sources, the mechanisms were analysed against four criteria: new or improved opportunities to engage; the deliberative quality of the engagement process; the effectiveness or achievement of outcomes that resulted; and localism, which considered if there was sufficient ability to either develop local policy or to influence regional policy that has local impacts. The analysis found that the mechanisms available to local boards made a strong contribution overall to community engagement. There was little evidence that the public meetings requirements imposed on CCOs were anything more than superficial. The advisory panels were considered to have the potential to make a more significant contribution but further mechanisms were required in that regard. The findings do not support the theory that a coercive regional governance structure provides a disincentive for local politicians to engage with their communities and results in a loss of local autonomy. The establishment of local boards has provided the incentive and mandate for local politicians to respond to the preferences of their communities. They are supported in this by non-regulatory decision making powers and other mechanisms that provide the means to develop policy in the local interest without inhibiting the achievement of regional priorities and preferences. Thus, a more cohesive and unified approach to region wide decision making is achieved, without unduly compromising community engagement. Three recommendations are made: develop mechanisms to facilitate the early involvement of local boards in regional strategy and policy development; investigate mechanisms to strengthen the relationship between local boards and the substantive CCOs to ensure community views are adequately represented in their decisions; and establish specific mechanisms to enable the advisory panels to more effectively communicate the interests and preferences of their communities.