Waikato-wide library considered

Public libraries could become part of a Waikato-wide network.

Waikato District Council is interested in the idea and has agreed to fund part of a feasibility study worth up to $50,000.

Hamilton City Council was asked to contribute $25,000 but, at a Thursday meeting, Councillor Garry Mallett suggested another plan.

‘‘I agree with the process and the goal of what this is, I just think we need to tighten our belt and this is a clear opportunity where we can,’’ Mallett said.

His motion was to partner with Waikato District Council - and others in the region - for the study, but to do it within existing council budgets.

Mallett’s colleagues voted 7-5 for his idea then supported it unanimously once the other option - paying $25,000 towards an external consultant - was off the table.

These projects can produce big savings, Cr Angela O’Leary said, and a 2017 review of aquatic services is proof of that.

Deputy Mayor Martin Gallagher was still smarting from Waipa¯ District Council deciding against a shared waters proposal after years of spending and investigations.

‘‘I think I would say to Waipa¯: ‘unless you’re serious about a shared [libraries] service model, please, please, don’t waste time with us’,’’ he said.

Waikato District Council had proposed hiring a consultant to do the feasibility study over about three months, city councillors were told.

Growth in areas such as Tuakau and Pokeno is putting pressure on the district’s library network, Hamilton City Council general manager of community Lance Vervoort said.

Cr Dave Macpherson asked why other Waikato councils who could benefit weren’t being asked for money.

Vervoort understood Waikato District Council wanted to get the study going so was asking just Hamilton for help to start it.

That would be a strategic mistake, Macpherson said in debate.

He also said Hamilton’s library staffers were in a difficult position as the Waikato District is trying to renegotiate what it pays to city council for library services - $300,000 a year, he said.

Hamilton can’t keep debating that amount every three years, Macpherson said, and a wider regional library service could work better.

Those against Mallett’s idea on the first vote were Deputy Mayor Martin Gallagher and Crs Ryan Hamilton, Dave Macpherson, Angela O’Leary and Paula Southgate.

Cr Rob Pascoe was absent.