HUTT CITY COUNCIL NEWS RELEASE

21 NOVEMBER 2012

Local councils step closer to consensus

Nine local government councils across the Wellington region re-committed today to a future local authority governance that would be in the best interests of the region.

In a meeting chaired by Lower Hutt Mayor, Ray Wallace, the future of local governance was robustly discussed and debated by the Zone Four Local Authority Forum.

“It was an extremely productive meeting. Various options were discussed ranging from a single Wellington regional authority, a two-tier system and unitary authorities.

“The various councils were asked to consider the views that were put forward and decide on the next steps.”

Mayor Wallace says the views expressed at today’s meeting emphasised the commitment each council has to ensuring the voice of the community is represented in any future decision on local authority governance for the region.

The Mayor’s sentiments were echoed by Lawrence Yule, President of Local Government New Zealand, who described the meeting as one of the best discussions about local governance he had seen.

ENDS