Summarised by Centrist
In his first public report on council-controlled organisations (CCOs) reform, Auckland Mayor Wayne Brown has recommended either restructuring or disbanding several CCOs.
Options include turning Auckland Transport (AT) into a service agency with the council overseeing strategy, or disbanding AT entirely, with all transport functions shifting to the council.
Other CCOs under scrutiny include Tātaki Auckland Unlimited (TAU), responsible for economic and event management, and Panuku Auckland, overseeing urban development. Brown suggests that these agencies could either be restructured or absorbed into council operations. Watercare, which manages water services, is the only CCO not targeted for change.
Brown’s proposal follows polling indicating strong public support—over 80% of Aucklanders—for CCO reform. Brown argues that these agencies suffer from wasteful spending and lack accountability to the council and the public. Citing his campaign promise to “take back control of CCOs,” Brown has presented these reforms as a key priority in his final budget before the next local elections.
However, Brown will need legislative support from Transport Minister Simeon Brown, to amend the Auckland Council Act that grants AT statutory independence.
He adds that the current system is “badly designed” and has a deeply embedded culture of independence. Public consultation on these proposals is expected to begin in March 2025.
