Council business

During the transition period prior to 31 October 2010 the ATA was required to confirm or decline to confirm various decisions made by councils and certain other local government organisations.  These decisions included entering into any contract (other than an employment agreement) that imposed obligations after 30 June 2011 and involved consideration of $20,000 or greater.

The ATA was required to consider whether, in each case, the decision could significantly constrain the powers or capacity of the Auckland Council following the reorganisation or have a significant negative financial impact on it.  It was also required to consider whether the decision could significantly prejudice the reorganisation process.  In making this assessment, the ATA had to take into account factors such as the likelihood and magnitude of any potential adverse effects, the obligations on councils to continue to perform their roles in the interim and whether the decision was part of an ongoing project or key local government project.

This summary is a brief overview of the role and responsibilities of the ATA in respect of decisions. A fuller explanation can be found in the legislation.