Local govt progress

A recent report in the print media highlighted the possibility of a new District Local Authority in the Wairarapa.

The Local Government Commission has recommended the amalgamation of the Carterton District with the South Wairarapa District and the Masterton District with one mayor elected district-wide, plus 12 councillors from seven wards including two rural representatives.

In addition to the mayor and 12 councillors, the commission has recommended the setting up of five community boards comprising 21 elected members covering Greytown, Carterton, Masterton, Featherston and Martinborough.

The new Wairarapa District Council would service a population of nearly 44,000 while the Greater Wellington Regional Council would still be responsible for regional services. If the plan is approved after public submissions, an election could be held in October 2018.

On the basis of the Wairarapa District plan, it is possible that the Local Government Commission will look at other parts of New Zealand where local government reorganisation could benefit the ratepayers and residents.

A Manawatu/Horowhenua District reorganisation could be on the horizon with an amalgamation of Palmerston North City Council with the Manawatu District Council and the Horowhenua District Council resulting in one mayor, one chief executive and around 14 elected councillors — it’s called progress in 21st century local government. BILL STIRLING Levin