Case to be made for fewer councils

A plan to replace Northland's four councils with two unitary authorities is about to be laid before community leaders around the region.

Far North District Council and Tai Tokerau Iwi Leaders' Forum formed a working group in April to develop a unitary authority initiative in response to "Better Local Government Reforms" proposed by the Government and to advance Maori representation.

The Better Local Government in the Far North Working Group, co-chaired by Far North Mayor Wayne Brown and iwi leaders' representative Rangitane Marsden, presented its proposal to community board members and Far North District councillors last month, and is now about to begin outlining its case to community leaders at a series of public meetings.

Kerikeri Business Association and Vision Kerikeri will host a public meeting at Kerikeri Golf Club on Tuesday next week (August 14, starting 10am).

Kaikohe Business Association will host another at Far North District Council's chambers in Kaikohe at 5.30pm the same day, while the Russell Forum will host one at Russell Town Hall on Tuesday, August 21 (7pm).

Kawakawa Business Association will host a gathering at the St John Hall in Kawakawa on Tuesday, September 4 (6pm), Te Hiku Community Board another at the Mangonui Hall on Thursday, September 6 (7pm), followed by the Rawene Area Residents' Association at the Rawene Town Hall on Thursday, September 20 (5pm) and the Opononi and Omapere Ratepayers' and Residents' Association at the Opononi Hall at 7.30 that evening.

Northland Chamber of Commerce, Kaitaia Business Association and Business Paihia have expressed interest in convening meetings, but as of earlier this week had yet to confirm dates.

All meetings will be open to the public, and the working group is encouraging people to listen to its ideas regarding how local government in the Far North could be improved.

Any organisation that would like to host a meeting is invited to contact Mr Brown's executive assistant, Lau'rell Pratt, at Laurell.Pratt@fndc.govt.nz, phone 0800 920-029.