Mike Gray - Member Greytown Community Board
Opposes amalgamation.
What is your position on the draft proposal and, importantly, why?
The proposal continues the Central and Regional Government PATRIARCHAL, PATERNALISITIC approach to LOCAL governance and control. BIGGER IS NOT BETTER !
There is still the need to clarify the ROLES; FUNCTIONS,; POWERS, ETC, OF CENTRAL GOVERNMENT AS DISTINCT FROM LOCAL GOVERNMENT - AS OUTLINED IN THE ORIGINAL REFORM DOCUMENTS! (2010??)
As such it is insulting that Wairarapa (a NATURAL – SELF CONTAINED/BOUNDED CATCHMENT ) should be considered ‘dependent’ on Wellington.
It denies a large area previously governed independently up until 1989 the right to govern in the best interests of those affected.
It ignores the desire of many Wairarapa citizens to be independent of the rest of the Wellington ‘Region’. i.e. a Unitary Authority as proposed by the three councils in 2013.
What is a specific issue (a problem or opportunity) that you believe amalgamation will address and how will it address it?
It is imperative there is greater recognition that Wairarapa is a Natural Catchment and capable of managing ALL OF ITS AFFAIRS.
Opportunity? To create a WAIRARAPA model of governance which recognizes relevant independence - whilst acknowledging a KEY issue such as Transport can be addressed interdependently! I.E. A UNITARY AUTHORITY
What tangible benefits could amalgamation bring for ratepayers and how will amalgamation achieve them?
There is NO CONFIDENCE – AND THEREFORE TRUST IN THE BENEFITS touted by the LGC.
Greater confidence in any benefits requires considerably more publically available information on the real/actual costs of amalgamation to enable citizens to have confidence that THERE WILL BE ANY SAVINGS.
What are the risks of amalgamation, and if any, how will they be mitigated?
Reduced Level of local representation
Continued Wellington Urban control of rural Wairarapa affairs.
Potential increased Regional Council costs.
Denies Wairarapa desires for independence .
REQUIRED MITIGATION: MUST HAVE!
Greater Local input to ensure ROLES, FUNCTIONS, POWERS, FUNDiNG of Community Boards will address concerns. I.E. GREATER EMPOWERMENT
OPPORTUNITY to Demand a poll for a Unitary Authority YES or NO With all relevant information!
