Porirua City Council makes submission in support of amalgamation

Porirua City Councillors today confirmed support for the Local Government Commission draft proposal for Wellington Councils to merge, but with Wairarapa standing apart.

“The reality is that our communities are regionally interconnected and dependent on each other so it would make sense to work together as one council,” Mayor Nick Leggett said.

“We think Porirua would be better off in the long-run under a combined councils’ model. Porirua is heavily reliant on rates, they make-up 75 percent of our income, and residents expect the same level of service offered by Wellington. Also we have significant upcoming spending and think that, while we are managing our infrastructure and financial situation at present, a more structured approach is needed for the future.

“The proposed model would improve spatial and infrastructure planning, delivery and management. A unified council for the region would provide a strong voice and have a clear regional strategy.

“We disagree with arguments that amalgamation would see a loss of local democracy – in fact the opposite is true. The recommendation is actually about strengthening local democracy and local decisions will be made locally.”

As part of its submission the Council stated support for Wairarapa standing alone.

“We understand and accept Wairarapa’s argument that their towns would fit better under a unitary authority.”

The Council backed the proposal that a Porirua-Tawa ward and board be created but recommended that the Commission work closely with Tawa and north Wellington communities to get clear their views on which local board they might sit with.

A meeting of all the councils affected by the proposal has been called by Porirua for next Wednesday.

“We expect all councils will participate in the meeting. It’s important we get together and agree on a way forward for the region to work better before the Local Government Commission makes a final proposal that will go to a binding referendum,” Mayor Leggett said.

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