As Super City debate on CCOs and all things Super heats up – the absence of criticism  of Mayor Andrew Williams continuous “Wolf” cries last year – is conspicuous.

It increasingly appears that the Mayor was dead right with emphasis on the “dead” for local body politicians to have a significant input into local matters.

By their nature, CCOs are designed to take control away from politicians and the public to get things done.

The transport CCO will control half of the $1.3 billion rates income of the Super City. Watercare Services will be responsible for a $5 billion portfolio of dams, wastewater plants, the Waikato pipeline and pipes. Publicly owned stakes in Auckland Airport and Ports of Auckland will be placed in the hands of a CCO to manage, as will cultural and events facilities from the Auckland Museum to North Harbour Stadium.

The CCO model has raised questions about what will be left for councillors and local board members to do.

The Government’s planned seven “council controlled organisations” will be funded by Auckland ratepayers but not accountable to them.