Paying more, for less say

Today's announcement of a unitary council for the Wellington region means "People will be paying more, for less say", says Lower Hutt Mayor Ray Wallace

“The Local Government Commission has not listened to what the majority of people in the region want. The proposal also shows a lack of understanding of the region.

“This proposal goes backwards in terms of efficiency for the region. We already have shared services where there are greater efficiencies in doing so, such as water services and economic development. This proposal would take those services and put them under one unwieldy, bureaucratic system.

“There's little evidence of benefits from amalgamating councils with populations beyond around 150,000 and in fact, as examples close to home show, the opposite can happen.

“Looking at the proposal local boards, under the single council, would have very limited power.

“Wairarapa to Wellington is a ridiculous proposal. To have half of New Zealand's population under two councils is horrific for meaningful local representation.

“I am confident people will demand this go to referendum, and will be resoundingly rejected.”

ENDS

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