Cities merger idea should be explored, says Chamber

The idea of a merger between Wellington City and Porirua should not be dismissed out of hand, says Wellington Chamber of Commerce Chief Executive John Milford.

“The potential for greater scale and opportunity of merged services should at least be explored.

“For Wellington there’s only one way for growth, and that’s north. Expanding into Porirua would give Wellington City critical mass.

“There are obviously many, many questions that would need answering, but there’s nothing wrong with considering something that could benefit both cities.

“One of my first questions would concern the suggestion that Wellington ratepayers – particularly businesses – would pay higher rates while Porirua’s rates would go down.

“Mergers such as this normally benefit both parties, not push rates up significantly for some and down significantly for others.”

ENDS

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