Input sought on stronger local government

4 Feb 2016

The Local Government Commission and the Masterton, Carterton and South Wairarapa district councils are seeking views, through a series of public meetings, on achieving stronger local government for the Wairarapa.

Following the decision not to proceed with the proposal for a single unitary authority for the Wellington region in June last year, the councils and the Commission focused on establishing a joint working relationship to look into strengthening local government in the area. Several meetings, building on the collaboration and shared services already achieved in the Wairarapa over several years, have now taken place between the Commission and Wairarapa Mayors and councils, and the Greater Wellington Regional Council.

“We have made some progress in identifying a range of options for better local government, but would like to get the Wairarapa public’s initial feedback on the possibilities so far discussed,’’ said Commission Chair Sir Wira Gardiner.

The public meetings to be held in Masterton, Carterton and Martinborough, will be attended by the Mayor of each area and the Commission, and will be independently moderated.

“It is important that people have a chance to share their current views on the issue so they can help shape the process and the future of our region,’’ said Masterton Mayor Lyn Patterson.

“It’s about getting the best local government for the area, one that has solid support from the residents and ratepayers,’’ said Carterton Mayor John Booth.

South Wairarapa Mayor Adrienne Staples said: “We should aim for a system that combines high-quality local decision-making with more cost-effective services and infrastructure.’’

Sir Wira said the meetings were the first step in a wider public engagement and consultation programme. The aim was to ensure the community had clarity about their future local government arrangements in mid-2016, well before the local body elections in October 2016. Any new arrangements would not be implemented until after the elections. “We look forward to the participation of the community in helping to map out a stronger and more innovative future for local government in the Wairarapa,’’ Sir Wira said.

The meetings are scheduled as follows:

16 Feb, 7pm – 9pm: Masterton District – Frank Cody Lounge, Municipal Buildings

17 Feb, 7pm – 9pm : Carterton District – Auditorium, Carterton Event Centre

23 Feb, 7pm – 9pm : South Wairarapa District – Martinborough Town Hall

ENDS

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