MEDIA RELEASE

15 August 2013

Under-performing region needs amalgamation

Waikato’s Mayoral Forum discussion about shared services is a feeble response to a situation warranting bold change, according to Property Council Waikato Branch.

In a position paper on local government amalgamation released to Property Council members this week, the branch argues the Waikato region is over-governed and poorly planned.

The paper, which sets out Property Council’s perspective on some of the issues that face the Waikato region and presents a case for local government amalgamation, intends to stimulate discussion between the private and public sectors and paves the way for an event on 27 August asking, ‘is there a better way forward’?

Property Council Waikato Branch President Rob Dol said shared services being discussed by the Mayoral Forum were simply not enough. “Patch protection in the Waikato is strong. Any funds spent on exploring shared services seem to be a waste as no one is clear on what savings will arise from shared services or how they will be spent.

“Local governance in the Waikato needs a complete overhaul to reduce multiple layers of duplication, and improve efficiencies for everyone in the Waikato.”

He said any decisions about the future of local governance in the Waikato need to be well informed, practical and add value to all sectors of the region.

“While the opinions we present are only options, we are firm in our belief that Waikato needs a united voice and amalgamation. It seems inevitable that other government bodies across New Zealand will consolidate after Auckland’s experience.

“We should be proactive about discussing the options for Waikato, to ensure the region remains progressive and economically robust.

“The case for local government amalgamation is strong; existing territorial authorities and a unitary authority govern 400,000 people across 25,000 kilometres with different plans, by-laws, consent processes and strategies. There is considerable and unnecessary duplication that is creating high and unsustainable costs for all Waikato ratepayers.

“We need to be future-focused to stay competitive, and make sure that our local territorial authorities can pay the increasingly higher costs for infrastructure and services despite smaller, ageing populations especially in rural areas.”

The position paper covers issues including boundaries, catchment issues, the structure of a ‘Greater Waikato’ Regional Council, rural and urban areas, local communities, a single spatial plan, current debt and cost savings, core services, roading and shared services.

The paper has also been sent to all Waikato Mayors and other relevant stakeholders.

Property Council is hosting an event on Tuesday 27 August, supported by University of Waikato, with speakers including Donald Riezebos, CEO, Local Government Commission; Mayor Hugh Vercoe, Chairperson, Waikato Mayoral Forum; Cr Penny Webster, Chairperson Auckland City’s Finance & Strategy committee; and Professor Frank Scrimgeour, University of Waikato, who will also mediate the discussion. Mayor Glenn Leach from Thames/Coromandel District Council will also give a brief address.

This event is not open to the general public. Pre-registration is essential. To enquire about this event, please email tracey@propertynz.co.nz.

Property Council New Zealand Waikato Branch – Position on Local Government Amalgamaion:

http://img.scoop.co.nz/media/pdfs/1308/Amalgamation_in_the_Waikato.pdf

ENDS

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