The Sunday Star Times is today reporting the following
AUCKLAND IS likely to become a single super-city under the biggest shake-up of local government in two decades.
A decision on the future of the region's seven city and district councils and one regional council is due on December 1, but is widely expected to be delayed until April or May.
Top-level sources within local government say the most likely outcome of the Royal Commission on Auckland Governance is a single unitary authority with 20 community councils, as a way of ending rivalries within the region.
The country's longest-serving mayor, Sir Barry Curtis, is believed to be in line for a job as a temporary commissioner during 2010 and 2011 to oversee the transition.
We are strong supporters of this concept.
Therewas a very interesting item on Christ Laidlaw's programme this morning on Auckland's urban planning and form and what has gone wrong. Well worth a listen.
