New Local Government Commission chairman Sir Wira Gardiner believes the Hawke's Bay reorganisation poll offers the chance for the region to capitalise on the experience despite the defeat of the commission's proposal.
In a statement after this afternoon's announcement of a progress result in which the region voted 66.18 per cent against a merger of the Hawke's Bay Regional Council, Napier City Council and the Hastings, Central Hawke's Bay and Wairoa district councils, Mr Gardiner said: "The region now has the opportunity to capitalise on the energy and ideas the reorganisation process has generated."
While the region had decided against formal amalgamation, many of those opposed to the proposal agreed that much more can and must be done to work together to achieve permanent, positive and effective change, Sir Wira said.
"Hawke's Bay has huge economic potential and everything to gain through improved delivery of cost-effective services and infrastructure," he said. "More jobs, better growth, and improved prospects across all sectors of the community for the people of Hawke's Bay.
With counting of special votes not likely to affect the outcome. official confirmation of the result is expected by Friday, and Sir Wira said it will bring an end to the process. "The status quo will prevail," he said. "Hawke's Bay will retain its five separate councils."
"The Commission will remain available, if required, to assist Hawke's Bay thinking about local government options into the future," he said.
He acknowledged those involved on all sides of the debate for the commitment and energy with which the issues were discussed.
"The Hawke's Bay community has made an important decision on its local government arrangements," he said.