Waikato Regional Council building
A Government proposal delivering the biggest changes to local government since 1989 could see Waikato Regional Council replaced by a mayoral board.
John Robertson overlooks Te Kuiti
“An announcement on the future of regional councils was expected, but the proposal that was delivered by the ministers had not been anticipated,” Waitomo mayor John Robertson told The News.
“This leadership group of mayors, called the Combined Territories Board, will be expected also to find ways for local government in the region to work together more effectively.”
Robertson said the region’s councils were already working together with many shared services and the creation of two regional drinking and wastewater companies.
“A lot is going on already, in the words of the Ministers ‘to simplify’ local government. In fact, this is all major reform.
“What Ministers have not announced are their thoughts on whether they would support some local councils merging together,” Robertson said.
“In reality the announcements just made are steps along this pathway. As further infrastructure and compliance services are regionalised, the case for reviewing the administrative and operating structures of councils becomes another imperative.”
From left Liz Stolwyk, Steve Hughes and Rodney Dow at the Tractor Pull.
Ōtorohanga may Rodney Dow was supportive of the proposal.
“It could be interesting,” he said.
“People I talk with are very interested in cutting back on bureaucracy, so if this helps, we will be very keen on looking at the proposal. There has been a lot of talk from the government about rate capping, The government needs to help with funding if they expect us to do more.”
Dow said he did not have a mandate from ratepayers for amalgamation and thought continuing with shared services was the way to go.
“The role of mayors will be more important,” he said.
Dow was yet to discuss the proposal with his council.
Newly elected Waipā King Country regional council member Liz Stolwyk said change was needed in local government.
“I say bring it on,” she said. “”But it must be done well. Communities should be at the centre of designing any new model, armed with good information and a clear understanding of what will best serve the Waipā and Waikato. I genuinely welcome the opportunity to improve outcomes for our communities.
“Over the past few months I have strongly advocated for meaningful change and reform in local government, so I am pleased to see momentum and leadership in this space. At the same time, we must ensure the delivery of essential services continues smoothly throughout any transition.”
Stolwyk said regional councillors played a crucial role in environmental management, flood protection, biosecurity, public transport and long-term regional planning.
Keith Holmes
“These are not optional responsibilities – they are core to the wellbeing and resilience of our communities.”
Her colleague, and immediate Waikato Federated Farmers past president Keith Holmes, was also supportive of reforms if they saved the ratepayer money.
“The Government is not being definitive, they are saying these are some of the issues, and asking us to come up with the solutions,” he said.
“I am not worried. In the Waikato region I am really optimistic that we will get a good outcome.”
