Central government has taken a fair amount of stick over the loss of services and jobs in struggling provinces such as Wanganui - and rightly so.
The Chronicle has previously suggested a policy of de-centralisation to bring some government jobs here - and, with them, the wages that will help
the local economy and the people who will share the district's growing rates bill.
As we report today on page 6, there have at least been hopeful noises from the Beehive, with Economic Development Minister Steven Joyce saying the Government aims to spread its spending across the regions in a bid to boost growth.
And real estate company Bayleys has followed that cue with plans for a property expo in Auckland later this month.
Our climate, relaxed lifestyle and, most importantly, our affordable housing will be promoted in the Big Smoke and should look pretty attractive when set alongside the hectic pace of life in Auckland (slowed only by the endless traffic jams) and the soaring house prices and rents there.
