Kaiko¯ura ratepayers want out

The report said the council’s existing operation model was unsustainable, that the district needed up to $10 million from the Crown to stay afloat, and that the council was at ‘‘risk of implosion’’ if it did not make changes.

Millton thought a $10m package would not solve Kaiko¯ ura’s problems, and hoped calling for a boundary change would force it to look at alternatives.

The Marlborough District Council volunteered services to areas cut off from Kaiko¯ ura after the quake destroyed State Highway 1.

‘‘It was very kind. They were inspecting our buildings and giving us help, which was extremely good for the whole of the community,’’ Millton said.

Millton thought homes north of Ohau Point should be rezoned as Marlborough, although he was unsure how many ratepayers this was.

East Coast Community Organisation (ECCO) secretary Chris Wilson said residents north of Ohau Point thought it was time to ‘‘draw the line’’.

‘‘There are a lot of councils around that do have a sustainable future, but our feeling is that the

Kaiko¯ura District doesn’t,’’ he said.

But Clarence resident Lynda Kitchingham said she had ‘‘mixed feelings’’ about the renewed push for her suburb to switch councils.

‘‘I think the inevitable is that we possibly will [move councils] just because of the smallness of the ratepayer base here.

‘‘But I think if Kaiko¯ ura loses its council, it loses a lot of its identity, and it will also probably be harder to get services It just means you’re dealing with people from a long way away ... and it may take longer to get action.’’

Council