5 May 2009

OPEN LETTER

 

Auditor-General

Kevin Brady

 

Dear Kevin,

 

Regarding my request on 6 April 2009, for you

to inquire into the cost-effectiveness of the Metrowater CCO model and your refusal to so do on 24 April 2009:

 

As a matter of some urgency, can you please provide a copy of whatever written (or other) evidence upon which you are relying, to substantiate your comment:

This is news to me.

 

The placing of over $28 BILLION worth of public assets into Council Controlled Organisations (CCOs), is absolutely pivotal to the proposed Auckland 'Supercity' model.

 

 

 

The CCO model, (as you know), has not yet been subject to ANY 'cost-benefit' analysis by any body, including your Office - the Office of the Auditor-General.

 

Commonsense would suggest that even if you are correct in your above-mentioned claim,

"The question of the cost-effectiveness of the CCO model is a part of that policy debate," then, if that 'policy debate' is to be meaningful - there still needs to be factual evidence which supports the 'cost-effectiveness' of the CCO model.

 

Which there is not.

 

I have taken legal advice from a prominent QC on this matter and am informed that your decision,

 "I therefore do not intend to carry out an inquiry into this issue",  is judicially reviewable.

 

Rather than embark on that judicial process, I respectfully request that you reconsider your decision.

It would be very much appreciated if you could give me your response by this Friday 8 May 2009.

 

There is $28 billion worth of public assets at stake here - this is a matter of significant urgency and public interest.

Judicially recognised 'Public Watchdog' on Metrowater, water and Auckland regional governance matters.