Be sure to vote on council merger

Residents who wish to vote on the proposed merger of five Hawke's Bay councils have until July 20 to ensure they are enrolled as electors, the new Hawke's Bay Anti-Amalgamation Coalition said today.

The coalition that includes the Napier-based Hawke's Bay Democratic Action Association (DAD) chaired by Ian Dick and Hastings Against Amalgamation led by Mike Butler, was launched last week.

Representatives from Central Hawke's Bay and Wairoa were awaiting confirmation.

The new group was formed three days after confirmation that a region-wide postal vote will be held from August 24 to determine whether a final proposal announced last week would be implemented.

Council amalgamation would have a big impact on every person in the region with a big, costly, complex three-tier system of local government and higher rates, the coalition said.

Extra layers of governance include local boards and appointed boards for regional planning, Maori consultation, and decisions on natural resources.

Now is not the time for apathy on this issue. It is important for every person to be sure that he or she is enrolled to vote, and to be sure to vote in August to enable us to defeat this proposed merger.

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