I’m still deciding if the pros outweigh the cons – and if the proposed model can be made better to address the potential downsides and risks.
Oppose Amalgamation in its present form. Supportive of a unitary council.
I believe we need to change, but I’m open-minded about whether the change is amalgamation or doing things better under the status quo.
Written by Ron Shaw
The Local Government Commission (LGC) Draft Proposal for Wairarapa District Council (the proposal) recommends amalgamation yet the officials advising the LGC can offer no compelling reasons for amalgamation.
The proposal concludes that there are 10 advantages from an amalgamated Wairarapa District Council. Some of these advantages were identified as benefits in the earlier Consultation Document. Review of the “advantages” shows that none are compelling, providing no real benefits with the issue of modest financial gains being so poorly addressed that it is more properly classified as a disadvantage.
The LGC identified 5 disadvantages. Of these, three are mere truisms and can be ignored. The two remaining disadvantages go to the heart of democratic representation and regional influence. They are true disadvantages with real costs and no offsetting benefits.
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