The New Zealand Government – Auckland Policy Office (APO) was formerly known as the Government Urban and Economic Development Office (GUEDO).  The new name of the office (from June 2010) reflects its broader role in developing and implementing government policy in Auckland.

The office was originally set up by the Ministries of Economic Development (MED), Transport (MoT), Environment (MfE) and the Department of Labour (DOL) in July 2005, to achieve greater alignment of Government priorities and effort towards sustainable urban and economic development of the Auckland region.  Over the past few years the range of agencies represented in the Office, as part of the wider Network and on the Board which governs the office has expanded to include: Department of Internal Affairs (DIA), Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet (DMPC), The Treasury, State Services Commission (SSC), Ministry for Culture and Heritage (MCH), Department of Building & Housing (DBH) and the Ministry of Social Development (MSD). The Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) also have a presence in the office.

Purpose of the Office

• Provide an informed Auckland perspective on the development of central government policy.
• Identify and develop Auckland specific policy initiatives that will make a significant impact on Auckland and national economic growth.
• Coordinate a collaborative approach for central government engagement in key regional development forums/projects.
• Offer a source of intelligence on Auckland – both issues and stakeholders.

Governance

APO is governed by a board of Chief Executives, known as the Auckland Chief Executives Group (ACE). The group is co-chaired by the Chief Executives of the Ministry of Economic Development and the Department of Internal Affairs and includes:

• Chief Executives and the relevant Deputy Secretaries from MED, MFE, MOT, DOL, DBH, DIA, MCH and MSD.
• The Chief Executive or Director, Policy Advisory Group, Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet.
• The Secretary to the Treasury or nominated Deputy Secretary.
• The State Services Commissioner or nominated Deputy Commissioner

Louise Marra has a dual role as Director of APO and Policy Advisor, Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet.

Staff located in APO

MED, MFE, MOT, DIA, MCH, EPA and DOL all have staff permanently located in APO. The other agencies (DPMC, Treasury, DBH, MCH, MSD and SSC) have hot desks in the office for their staff to use.