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A Merit-Based Framework for Better City Decisions
Clear thinking, consistent criteria, and transparent evaluation for Auckland’s most important urban questions.
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What Is a Merit-Based Approach?
A merit-based approach evaluates ideas based on their substance rather than their source. Instead of focusing on who proposes an idea or how popular it may be, we assess proposals using consistent, transparent criteria that examine feasibility, impact, and long-term value. This approach helps move discussions away from opinion-driven debate and toward informed understanding — especially when dealing with complex urban systems like transport, housing, governance, and infrastructure.
Why Merit Matters for Auckland
Cities are shaped by decisions that last for decades. Short-term thinking, political cycles, and fragmented information can lead to outcomes that are difficult — or impossible — to reverse. A merit-based framework:
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Encourages long-term thinking
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Clarifies trade-offs and consequences
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Reduces emotional or reactionary decision-making
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Helps the public understand complex issues
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Supports better-informed leadership
For a growing city like Auckland, thoughtful evaluation is not optional — it is essential.s.
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Our Process, Step by Step
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01
Identify Core Question
We define the problem clearly and without bias.
02
Break It Down
The question is divided into components such as cost, impact, delivery, and risk.
03
Apply Merit Criteria
Each component is examined using the evaluation framework.
04
Share Insights
Findings are presented in a clear, accessible format for members and the public.
Engaging With the Framework
Members gain access to deeper analysis, expanded breakdowns, and additional context behind each question. Over time, this creates a growing knowledge base that helps Aucklanders better understand their city — and the choices that shape it.
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How Ideas Are Evaluated
Each question and proposal on this platform is examined using a consistent set of merit-based criteria.
Feasibility—Can this idea realistically be implemented within Auckland’s physical, legal, and operational constraints?
Economic Impact — What are the short- and long-term financial implications for the city, ratepayers, and economy?
Social Impact — How does this affect communities, equity, access, and quality of life?
Environmental Sustainability — What are the environmental consequences and long-term resilience implications?
Governance Alignment — How does this interact with existing governance structures, responsibilities, and accountability?
Long-Term Value — Does this improve Auckland’s future flexibility, resilience, and adaptability?
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A platform for informed questions, structured thinking, and evidence-based urban development discussions.