Catholic commission critiques Auckland transport shake-up

In a submission to Parliament’s Transport and Infrastructure Committee on the Local Government (Auckland Council) (Transport Governance) Amendment Bill, the commission stated that the Bill should “reflect the principles of Te Tiriti o Waitangi, uphold human dignity and ensure participation, accountability and fairness for all in our community”.

But “by concentrating appointment powers and weakening Māori participation, the Bill threatens to undermine the very democratic principles it seeks to introduce”.

If the Bill is passed into law, Auckland Council would be responsible for all transport policy and planning work, it would be the road controlling authority and would deliver transport capital projects while maintaining transport infrastructure.

Transport decisions on local roads would be allocated to the relevant local boards.

An Auckland Regional Transport Committee (ARTC) would be established, and this would have both Auckland Council elected members and ministerial appointees, alongside an independent chair. This committee would develop the Auckland Regional Transport plan and provide direction for the development of land transport in Auckland while aligning the transport priorities of the government and Auckland Council.

Auckland Transport would be reduced to a core role of delivering public transport services.

In its submission, the Justice and Peace Commission said transport is not merely a technical or economic system; it is a public necessity that connects people to education, work, healthcare and community.

But the Bill “makes no explicit provision for public consultation, engagement or equity assessment. It assumes that representation by the Mayor, Council and Ministers [is] sufficient in expressing the will of all citizens and residents of Auckland. This assumption neglects underserved and underrepresented communities, particularly Māori and low-income, who face persistent barriers to safe and reliable transport”.

“True democracy requires equitable access [to] . . . these essentials,” the submission stated.

The submission also criticised the proposal that the six voting members of the ARTC, and its independent chair, be appointed, not elected. “This process erodes the democratic process by centralising power and reducing public accountability.”

The submission said the Bill’s ”stated aim to empower local boards is commendable, but it lacks mechanisms and resourcing to ensure that local and Māori voices can meaningfully and fully participate”.

The commission also questioned “why sustainability and emissions reduction are not mandated within this Bill”.

FULL STORY

Justice and Peace Submission on Auckland Transport Bill (Catholic Diocese of Auckland Justice and Peace Commission)

Major shake-up of Auckland Transport confirmed (1News)

Local Government (Auckland Council) (Transport Governance) Amendment Bill (NZ Parliament)