Councils join forces to boost economy

More than half of New Zealand's population will be represented by a new alliance formed between seven council's from around the upper North Island. Photo / Thinkstock

More than half of New Zealand's population will be represented by a new alliance formed between seven councils from around the upper North Island.

The Upper North Island Strategic Alliance includes Northland Regional Council, Whangarei District Council, Auckland Council, Waikato Regional Council, Bay of Plenty Regional Council, Hamilton City Council and Tauranga City Council.

The agreement allows the seven councils, representing a combined population of 2.3 million, to work on issues including economic development, transport and tourism.

While it has no decision-making ability, UNISA can make recommendations to the seven councils and lobby central government.

Auckland Mayor Len Brown said the challenge was to increase the contribution of the top
half of the North Island to the nation's economy.

Waikato Regional Council Chair Peter Buckley said the group would focus on specific development opportunities.

These included fish farming in the Hauraki Gulf and cross-boundary resource management issues.

But outspoken Auckland councillor Cameron Brewer said the deal was unnecessary, with the councils already meeting regularly through groups like Local Government New Zealand.