Ōtorohanga and Waitomo District Councils have confirmed they are looking at merging. Photo / Dmitrii Pichugin
Amalgamation talks have heated up in Waikato as four councils have voiced their preferences.
Ōtorohanga and Waitomo District Councils have confirmed they are looking at merging.
Elected members from both councils met yesterday to discuss deciding their own destiny by potentially merging the two councils, the councils said in a statement today.
The meeting comes as Resource Management Act Reform Minister Chris Bishop and Local Government Minister Simon Watts told all New Zealand councils earlier this month to “lead your own reform or we will do it for you”.
They said councils had the opportunity to get a “Head Start” through submitting an amalgamation proposal with two or more councils to central government.
The councils that don’t submit a proposal like this would be dealt with through a “Back Stop” process, where central government will determine how an amalgamation will occur.
At Ōtorohanga and Waitomo District Councils’ next meetings on May 26, both councils will bring a resolution to develop a “Head Start” proposal to their tables, which will be submitted to central government by August 9.
Waitomo Mayor John Robertson, who has been floating the idea of a merger before central government set councils the ultimatum, said the proposal that had now been discussed was about exploring opportunities together, while making sure local voices remain strong.
“We’ll be taking a practical and measured look at how local government could operate more effectively and efficiently into the future. We know people will have questions, and community voices will be an important part of the process as the proposal develops.”
Ōtorohanga Mayor Rodney Dow said the Ōtorohanga and Waitomo communities had a strong history of working together.
“We have the opportunity to shape a proposal that reflects the unique strengths and identity of our communities, rather than waiting for decisions to be made for us,” Dow said in a statement.
“At the heart of this process is ensuring strong local representation and delivering better long-term outcomes for our communities.”
While regional councils are unable to table submissions to central government, Waikato Regional Council said earlier it wants one unitary authority, and it’s ready to work with the Waikato Mayoral Forum to develop it.
Waipā District Council has signalled today that a single Waikato unitary authority is its preferred option for further exploration under the Government’s “Head Start” process.
At a briefing today, the majority of councillors supported the single unitary authority option, based on the key principles of maintaining strong local representation, improving affordability for ratepayers through the benefits of scale, and building on strong regional relationships.
Waipā Mayor Mike Pettit said in a statement that his council wanted to lead the conversation about the future of local government in Waikato, though no final decisions had been made, and they would continue to look at alternatives.
“A single unitary authority could provide more co-ordinated planning, infrastructure delivery and investment across the Waikato region, by bringing regional and district functions together into one organisation.”
Pettit said he was aware other councils were exploring options that may impact the Waipā District, so it was important for Waipā to be actively involved in the conversation.
“We are a high-performing, high-growth district with a strong community identity and a significant economic contribution to the Waikato region,” he said.
“We are seen as a desirable and positive partner, and this option has the potential to unlock the Waikato region through collective strength, influence and capability.”
He said, whatever the proposal, representation for Waipā communities must be maintained and a local voice was paramount.
“Decisions affecting communities need to continue to be made close to those communities.”
Waipā District Council would talk to the community in the coming weeks.