Local govt workers pleased Northland amalgamation will not go ahead

The Public Service Association (PSA) says workers at the three Northland councils under threat from amalgamation are pleased that the Local Government Commission will not be going ahead with their proposal.

Mark Furey, PSA Northland organiser, said “Our members work hard to deliver services to Northland residents and had real concerns for these services under an amalgamated council,”

“Nearly 200 workers at the Councils affected by this change are members of the PSA, the national union for local government workers.

“Staff working for the three councils will no longer be fearful for the immediate future of their jobs.

“Recent changes at the Far North District Council have allowed staff to better engage with providing high quality services to local communities.

“There is significant potential for the three councils to further work together to improve services without requiring amalgamation.

“Local government workers are also part of the communities they serve and this drives the passion they feel for their important work.

“Regional and rural services risked being reduced in an amalgamated council so it is pleasing that this will not go ahead.

“It is great that the Commission listened to the overwhelming majority of submitters who opposed the proposal.

“The Commission has said they will continue to talk to councils about ways to improve local government and the PSA will seek to be a part of those conversations.

“We hope local residents continue to be actively engaged on local government issues in the far north,” said Mark Furey.

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