Potential amalgamation is today in the news as the Government pursues resource management restructuring that would scale back council responsibilities.

Sam Warren, Local Government Campaigns Manager for the Taxpayers’ Union, said:

“Better collaboration between councils to find efficiencies for both service and infrastructure delivery is certainly encouraged, so long as they reduce the burden on the local ratepayer.”

“But remember, big council doesn’t always mean better council.”

“Consider Auckland’s ‘Super City’ as a cautionary tale—the only thing achieved was more bureaucracy and empire building. By all means, find the sweet spot where cost per ratepayer is effectively minimised, and go no further.”

“Key to this discussion is localism. So long as the discussion is community-driven, and locals are aware of the nuances involved with council amalgamation, the result will be better.”

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