Wellington needs Amalgamation to reach its Economic Potential

Local body amalgamation is essential if the Wellington region is to reach its full economic potential, says Wellington Employers’ Chamber of Commerce Chief Executive Raewyn Bleakley.

“This is the obvious conclusion to be drawn from a report by Greater Wellington Regional Council staff to councillors that central government may be able to help the region out of the economic doldrums but finds Wellington ‘difficult to deal with’ compared to Auckland and Christchurch.

“Staff identified the problem as the region having too many voices – nine city and district councils – that are crowding out a clear, consistent message.

“There’s no doubt the region needs to speak with one voice when it comes to lobbying central Government, but this is not happening.

“The most obvious way of finding that voice is by way of local body amalgamation, where one leader represents the region.

“Business has always believed that speaking with one voice on one plan is the best way forward.

“I recently spent time in Auckland talking to business people about the so-called ‘supercity’ structure, and it’s clear it’s starting to work to the betterment of everyone. It is a model our region should be looking at.

“I believe it’s by far the best way of realising our potential.

“In light of what GWRC staff are saying, councils in the region which have expressed their opposition to amalgamation should be having another think.

“In the view of business, a vote against amalgamation does not have the best economic interests of the region as a whole at heart. And a strong region benefits everyone.”

ends

© Scoop Media