November 16, 2012.

Local Government Reform talks continue

Discussions around possible changes to local government governance structures for the Wellington Region picked up pace this week.

Mayor Jenny Rowan said officers from Wellington City Council and political leaders from Greater Wellington Regional Council - Porirua City Council presented their views at a briefing in Paraparaumu on Thursday.

“The team from Wellington City presented their case for a ‘one council’ arrangement based on ward representation but with the potential for community boards.

“The Greater Wellington team led by chair Fran Wilde and Porirua Mayor Nick Leggett put forward their views on the ‘Palmer’ proposition, which features a two tier structure comprising a Greater Wellington Council and at a lower level, individual Local Area Councils based largely on current boundaries.

“The meeting was timely as this was a chance for our councillors to hear the latest arguments for and against change before a hui of all elected members from across the region takes place next week.”

Mayor Rowan said it was early days yet on the issue. “Pieces of work are being done by other councils on the various scenarios being floated. This will be on-going and will be added to the wider debate when it becomes available.

“This is a debate that should and will involve all of us. We will be consulting our residents before we come to a position.”

Mayor Rowan said the Government had made clear that doing nothing was not an option. “This is an issue that we can’t afford to ignore. It is one that we are best to help shape the outcome rather than eventually being told.”

ENDS

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