It’s Not Clear That Brisbane is Efficient

You raise the possibility of a directly elected political leader of Greater Wellington regional council (Editorial, August 23). But what would this politician be called? Premier, as in Prince Edward Island? Superintendent, as in colonial provincial councils? Lord Mayor as in London? Or chief minister as in Canberra and the Northern Territory?

However, your suggested move toward a unitary council might best be left till the royal commission on Auckland examines the need either for a further amalgamation on the Brisbane model of territorial and regional governments.

It’s not clear that the Brisbane model is more efficient and/or effective than the “core city and surrounding suburban boroughs” model seen in Adelaide, Melbourne, Perth and Sydney and confirmed in the 1990s in Melbourne’s case.

Alternatively, if you or National list MP Mark Blumsky see a change as more urgent, you might try to get the support of 15 per cent of the population of the several territorial authorities for a Local Government Commission review of the region’s governance early in the new triennium so that a popular vote can be taken before the 2010 local elections.

DAVID BUTLER

Wellington City

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