Property Council Supports Hawke’s Bay Amalgamation

Media Release

27 November 2013

Property Council Supports Hawke’s Bay Amalgamation

Property Council is pleased with Local Government Commission’s proposal to amalgamate Hawke’s Bay councils.

According to the Commission, combining the five councils in the area would save up to $10 million a year – significant funds for the region.

This is in line with Property Council’s advice to the Government that New Zealand is inundated with too many councils which result in duplication of services, wasteful expenditure and lesser influence as city-players.

The current proposal suggests one mayor, nine councillors and five community boards which would include 37 elected members to represent their respective communities.

The region’s large Maori population would be represented via a Maori Board comprising of individuals nominated by local iwi with existing Maori committees who manage natural resource being retained.

The population of Hawke’s Bay sat at over 155,000 in 2011 (Statistics New Zealand). Having so many councils govern them is unnecessary and inefficient fragmentation that deprives the area of a fair chance to truly progress.

Property Council Wellington branch president Andrew Hay says he absolutely agrees with the Commission’s view that ‘one voice for Hawke’s Bay’ would lift the whole region’s performance.

‘Amalgamation of councils would result in a stronger voice for the people of Hawke’s Bay when pitching for resources and attention at a central government level,’ continued Mr Hay.

While current mayors and councillors may naturally oppose amalgamation as it is at odds with their political interests, the priority must be given to strengthening and unifying the voice for their region.

END.

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