Wellington Councils Should Amalgamate

Property Council Wellington strongly supports the amalgamation of Wellington’s local councils for the benefit of the entire region.

One council would mean one vision for all of Wellington, unifying planning across all districts and resulting in better implementation and increased harmony.

Under a greater council, Local Boards would determine issues affecting their respective areas while representation would be increased with one mayor speaking for all.

Wellington has much room to become more efficient by reducing duplication of services and inefficiencies which run across councils.

The Wellington Branch is a proponent of a single council as Auckland’s amalgamation has proven to be immensely successful in cost savings.

According to an Auckland Council report, improved economies of scale from the amalgamation of eight local authorities have maintained services at reduced cost.

It reported average rates increases being reduced year on year from previously anticipated rises while capital works are nearly double that of the former councils.

Annual operating savings to June 2013 were $131 million and are budgeted to be $188 million by June 2018.

Wellington Branch President Andrew Hay says it is time Wellington caught up with Auckland.

“The Capital City has potential to be far more competitive, desirable and economically prosperous than it is, and amalgamation is a big step towards that.”

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