Regional Authority For Auckland Expected

Press, Volume CI, Issue 29842, 7 June 1962, Page 14

Regional Authority For Auckland Expected

(New Zealand Press Association)

•WELLINGTON. June 6. “I am satisfied we are going to get a regional authority in Auckland this year." said the Mayor of Auckland <Mr D M Robinson i today He was speaking to the Wellington branch of the New Zealand Institute of Public Administration. There were 400 elected representatives in addition to those appointed to the ad hoc bodies A bill to establish a regional authority investigating committee tn Auckland had been sponsored by the Auckland City Council and passed by Parliament. Since then some councillors had changed their minds and some strange things had happened There were forces of oarochialism at work. The Minister of Internal Affairs had reluctantly agreed to extend the life of the com->

mittee. which knew it was living on borrowed time. It was decided to include essential ad hoc bodies in the bill for this year There was now a fusion and unity among the local bodies as never before, said Mr Robinson. At recent crucial voting on the bill the measure was supported by 32 votes to 3. Any opposition was from very few. perhaps three or four ad hoc bodies apprehensive of having their functions taken over by the regional authority. “These would-be King Canutes trying to stem the tide of progress are doomed to failure,” said Mr Robinson.

From it all would come a capable authority which would enable Auckland to speak with one voice and give a lead in local body reform.