Wairarapa Chamber of Commerce supports Local Government proposal

Following feedback from members, the Wairarapa Chamber of Commerce has taken the position to support the Local Government Commission proposal in principle.

“We’ve listened to our members and engaged with the business community across the Wairarapa.

Many of them support the proposal and understand that we must seize the opportunity to benefit the Wairarapa,” says Steph Gundersen-Reid, Chief Executive of the Wairarapa Chamber of Commerce.

The Wairarapa Chamber of Commerce has been surveying its members since mid-December 2014 and the results show that 65% of respondents support the Local Government Commissions proposal.

In total, 79% of respondents were in favour of some form of change to the current model.

“Our members see real benefit in making changes to the current local government arrangements. We also believe there are some ways we can improve the current proposal. Our members’ feedback includes a proposal to introduce a Rural Advisory Committee as a standing, permanent committee of the council.

“This is a point that the Wairarapa Chamber will be advocating for in their submission.

“The Rural Advisory Committee could include farmers and rural land owners from Wairarapa and Kapiti appointed to ensure that the rural needs of these communities are heard by the main council; such as infrastructure, environment, roading, planning permission etc.

“This committee would be in addition to the Local Board and two Wairarapa representatives of the main council.

“While some opponents of the proposal prefer a single unitary authority, it’s important to note that the Local Government Commission looked at this option, tested it and have come to the conclusion

that this is simply not a viable - our rating base is just too small.

“Let’s not get distracted with side-line ideas. There are only two options before the commission that are available for the Wairarapa to think about; do you agree with the proposal or do you not. That is what we must decide.”

“It’s likely there will be a referendum and we ask that Wairarapa residents make this decision logically and factually. This decision is about the future of our region. It’s about getting it right for Wairarapa

in the next 20 to 30 years, putting in place the right local authority structure to ensure growth, sustainability and economic prosperity for future generations.”

ENDS

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