Under
its “Head Start” programme, councils were invited to submit proposals for
restructuring local government in their regions. Eighteen proposals were
received by the August deadline, including one from Northland.
The Government says more work is required because none of the proposals received unanimous support from all councils within their respective regions.
Despite
delaying its decision, the Government says it remains committed to reforming
local government. Proposals eventually approved by Cabinet are still intended
to be implemented in time for the 2028 local elections.
The
delay has attracted criticism from some councils, but others see it as an
opportunity for councils to consult more with their communities, including in
Northland, where the councils were unable to agree on a merger plan. Whangārei
District Council, Far North District Council and Northland Regional Council
supported a staged restructuring of local government in Northland, while
Kaipara District Council unanimously opposed joining the proposal.
We
believe our local councils should now act as the representative bodies they
claim to be by asking voters what they want. Do the public want their councils
to amalgamate? Or do they want them to remain as three separate unitary
authorities?
FURTHER INFORMATION
NZ Herald: HERE >>>