Super-city hard sell

Following a collective thumbs-up from local body authorities to progress three options for regional governance reform, the community has now been asked to weigh in on the issue. Excited much? Going by the dribble of correspondence we’ve received and the lack of water-cooler or dinner table talk on this bureaucratic brouhaha, I’d wager not.

It is an important issue. The changes proposed would have a dramatic impact on the structure and running of local government in the region, and the services it provides – but it’s also a million miles away from what marketing people would call ‘‘sexy’’.

Super-city sounds a bit like Superman, and that’s about where the excitement begins and ends.

Porirua, Wellington and Kapiti councils, and the regional council, have agreed to consult the public on the two preferred models recommended by a working party. One is a single-tier council of 27 to 29 representatives, plus mayor, on which Porirua – which would now include Tawa – would receive four seats. Community boards could still be established at the council’s discretion.

The two-tier model would dictate a slightly smaller main council with three Porirua seats, and at least seven mandatory nine-person local boards.

We are told either option will save the region at least $300 million in the first 10 years and lower rates in Porirua. That’s good, right? But people appear to be more concerned with what they may be giving up, not what they may be getting.

I don’t subscribe to the fear Porirua is at risk of losing its identity from super-city reform. Bylaws, rates and annual plans don’t dictate the tone or spirit of a community, its people do.

But I am concerned that the interests of Porirua could be diluted on a super-city council, and the needs of Wellington City may dictate the needs of its smaller partners. Most vexing is we won’t know until it happens, and there will be no turning back.

The attractive advantage of the status quo is: We know what we’re in for. There are unknown ramifications of the proposed changes, making it difficult to distinguish a preference, be it between the new options or for either of them against the present local government structure.

Of some comfort, the hoi polloi will likely have their day – a referendum is triggered if 10 per cent of any affected electorate sign a petition against the final proposal – but how informed will they be?

Be confused, be uncertain – we sure are – but don’t play dumb. There are three public meetings in Porirua this month, the first in Cannons Creek this Thursday. It may be boring but it’s important.

Matthew Dallas, Editor.