5/6/08

 

The Auckland region needs a unified structure that promotes visionary leadership, the Trust has told the Royal Commission on Auckland Governance

 


The Trust is calling for more regional unity.
Photo: May Lee Weernink 

Answering the commission’s call for submissions on the topic, the Trust says there is a lack of regional thinking, co-ordination, planning and action.

That makes it difficult for the Trust to plan and allocate funds.

“Duplication and fragmentation of regional and local government roles causes us difficulties, as we have to consult with eight territorial local authorities,” our submission says.

“With limited resources, ASB Community Trust needs to ensure that funding is being delivered to projects that have been prioritised and identified as of regional benefit.”

However many decisions “appear to be made in isolation, as local authorities frequently operate in silos and sometimes in competition with each other”.

The submission is one of more than 3000 being considered by the commission, which has to report its recommendations to the Government by December 1, 2008.

The Trust also made a submission on the Auckland Regional Amenities Funding Bill. If passed, the Bill will mean all the region’s territorial local authorities (TLAs) will share the running costs for 11 major arts and service organisations.

Our submission says the Trust “unequivocally” supports all 11 organisations and they have shared $18m in Trust grants since 1988.

However, the “inequity” in funding provided by TLAs means all 11 organisations have faced difficulty in gaining consistent, dependable financial support.

“ASB Community Trust strongly believes that this Bill is required and that it is required urgently to ensure the continued survival of the 11 organisations,” our submission says.

“Currently ASB Community Trust is supporting a number of the 11 organisations at a level that is increasingly unsustainable.

“In some cases the Trust has provided rescue packages to ensure their survival.”

Trust grants are not a dependable source of funding for these large organisations, because our grants rely on returns from investment capital.

We are also facing increasing demand for grants to other groups in the community.