Bigger does not mean better for all local government amalgamation

Hamilton Mayor Bob Simcock has come out in support of local government amalgamation, but not the model proposed by former Mayor Margaret Evans.

Mayor Simcock says it makes sense to think about amalgamation of councils where there is a real sense of shared interest between the effected communities. Forcing an amalgamation of communities that do not have that sense of common purpose will only end in disaster.

"The people of Waipa District, Waikato District and Hamilton City for example do have a strong connection and I believe a well worked proposal for amalgamation between those councils would receive public support. I don't believe the people of Tokoroa or Taupo would feel the same way.

"The Government has made it clear that it will not force amalgamations against the will of communities, and the Local Government Commission requires clear evidence of strong support for amalgamation from within the effected communities and evidence of a strong community of interest. The Evans proposal will fail all of these tests and is dead before it starts. Rather than debate proposals that can't succeed we should focus on what can."

Mayor Simcock says there is a significant public interest in amalgamation in the region and that suggests that the discussion is timely.

"I welcome that. But we have yet to hear if Franklin District will be part of Auckland or not. Margaret Evans assumed that it would be, but that seems highly premature. If Franklin is allowed to stay out of Auckland as it has asked, that will have a big effect on possible options for amalgamation in our region.

"I hope that specific achievable proposals can be put in front of the public before the end of this year so a well informed discussion can begin. If the terms of an amalgamation can be agreed before the election next year, the following term can be used to begin aligning council organisations in time for the election of a new council in 2013."