Auckland’s move to a “super city” this year is the biggest local government reform for 20 years and – unsurprisingly – there is a range of views on how it should proceed and even whether it should proceed.

The questions are many – what powers will the mayor have? What powers will the local boards have? Will the new super council put major decisions before the ratepayers or simply make such decisions in committee?

There are also wider issues around privatisation, development, planning and there is still the thorny issue of Maori representation lurking in the wings.

One thing that is missing from the debate is a forum where people and organizations can discuss their views on what the super city should be and how it should operate.

That is what we offer here. We invite your contributions on any aspect of the super city and we encourage discussion on the articles published here.

Simply email your article to grahamh@tplmedia.co.nz with “supercity” in the subject line and we will put it up on this site, with a facility for other readers to give their comments.

The amalgamation will happen and there are political careers dependent on how well it operates. There are also a lot of ratepayers out there who will be keeping a wary eye on whether or not the reorganisation will deliver the mooted cost savings. 

It’s going to be an interesting year. Be a part of the debate here.