Despite what the mayor says, consultation with Auckland's local boards about potentially slashing their numbers has not happened.

Auckland mayor Wayne Brown has proposed the number of local boards to be reduced from 22 to 13.

It would be the first overhaul of the boards in 13 years.

Brown on Tuesday said the council had been consulting with the boards about the proposal.

But councillor and Governance Joint Working Party chairperson Julie Fairey said while there had been informal conversations about the proposal, talks had not yet been carried out on a consultation level.

Auckland councillor Julie Fairey served on a local board for 12 years. Photo: RNZ/ The Detail - Sharon Brettkelly

"When we talk about consultation that has specific legal meanings, and there are specific legal requirements for public consultation, for what constitutes local board consultation," Fairey said.

"Those conversations have definitely not happened yet, because we're really early in the process."

Fairey said there had not been wholesale discussions with local boards yet.

She spent 12 years as part of a local board in the past and believed it was the right time to review them.

"We absolutely need to look at the structure. Is it working? How can we make it better?" she said.

"I don't come to it with (the idea that) we have to change.

"I come to it with (the idea that) if we can change in ways that will make it better, that will strengthen local democracy.

"Then we should definitely put that out for public consultation. But at this stage, I'm not convinced."