Kia Ora,

I wanted to give an update on proposed local government reforms.

Following our community meetings, where many of you expressed concern about the prospect of mass council amalgamation, and the associated time-frames, I both spoke directly with the Minister of Local Government and wrote to him outlining those concerns. In his written response, I received what I can only interpret as a softening of the language that first accompanied the reforms. It is now clearer that the “head start” process is intended for councils that are already ready to move quickly to pursue amalgamation, while the proposed “backstop” process is expected to be much closer to the collaborative approach the Government originally consulted on late last year than first suggested.

That clarification is important because it reinforces what is becoming increasingly clear. If we want to pursue an alternative to amalgamation, the backstop process is likely to be where that conversation takes place, and if that is actually a process that’s genuinely collaborative, we’ll be able to get a much better outcome for our district.

The message from our community has been consistent. You told us you wanted us to fight for a better option than simply making councils bigger. You support reform, but you also want local decision making, local representation and local identity protected.

Encouragingly, those views are being echoed elsewhere. Through discussions with other rural mayors there appears to be growing agreement that wholesale amalgamation is unlikely to deliver the best outcomes for smaller communities. There is broad support for reform but increasing recognition that bigger does not automatically mean better.

One alternative that is attracting growing interest is a federation style model. Rather than abolishing local councils, it would see councils work more closely together by sharing services, building capability, and coordinating regional issues, while keeping local decisions in local hands. It is an approach that deserves serious consideration.

There is still plenty of work ahead, and discussions with neighbouring councils will continue over the coming weeks before anything comes back to council for a formal decision. Our priority remains unchanged - supporting reform that delivers better value for ratepayers, strengthens local government, and preserves the local voice that makes communities like ours unique, but not through simple mass amalgamation.

I’ll continue to keep you updated as the process develops.

Ngā mihi nui, many thanks,

Scott Gilmore - Mayor.