Boundary change request considered

The Local Government Commission has agreed to assess an application seeking a change to the boundary between Horowhenua District and Palmerston North City.

The application seeks to have the southern boundary of the city extended to include the township of Tokomaru and the surrounding area, and neighbouring O¯ piki.

These communities currently fall within Horowhenua.

The Commission agreed that the application contained sufficient information and provided sufficient evidence of community support for the process to start.

The Commission will formally publicly notify the application and invite alternative applications.

This will occur early next year, as the Commission did not consider taking this step so close to the Christmas break would help affected communities.

Horowhenua District Councillor Bernie Wanden, who filed a motion at last month’s council meeting that council participate in any discussions on a boundary change between Horowhenua and Palmerston North, said while both O¯ piki and Tokomaru are geographically close to Palmerston North, “they are the essence of Horowhenua.

“We value the role both Opiki ¯ and Tokomaru play in our district.”

The councillors voted in favour of the motion that pledges to work with Palmerston North and the Local Governement Commission on this issue.

Wanden said it is good that this is happening.

“It shows the people who have inititated this are being listened to and it is great that their request is being considered.”

‘“It shows the people who have inititated this are being listened to and it is great that their request is being considered.

BERNIE WANDEN Horowhenua District Councillor