9 June 2015

Amalgamation decision a missed opportunity, says Chamber

Abandoning the proposed local government amalgamation model for Wellington is a missed opportunity for the region and the local economy, says the Wellington Employers’ Chamber of Commerce.

Chief Executive John Milford says his organisation is disappointed with the Local Government Commission’s decision.

“Amalgamation of the type and scale proposed would have done big things for our region.

“For the past five years, businesses across the region have been calling for change, with our member surveys consistently showing that about 75% of them want change, most of them in the form of the commission’s preferred model.

“Businesses could see what a huge difference amalgamation of the nine councils would make in improving decision making and reducing cost, time and duplication of services and rules.

“Despite today’s decision there remains a huge appetite for change across the region, and we must look at fresh options, because there’s no doubt that change must happen.

“The status quo is not an option as far as business is concerned.

“We must start with a clean slate.

“But speed is of the essence. The process that has just finished was less than ideal. The Chamber made six submissions over four years and that’s not an efficient process.

“It’s imperative that the issue is resolved before the local body elections next year.

“The Chamber will now seek from its members for a mandate on the possible options now open to the commission.”

ends

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