Residents and ratepayers are being invited to public meetings in the Wellington region to share their views on the future shape of local government.
Two meetings are scheduled for Kāpiti – Mon 18 November: Ōtaki Rotary Lounge, Aotaki St 12.00-1.30pm; Paraparaumu Coast Community Church, Hinemoa St 7.00-8.30pm
The Local Government Commission is considering applications to change the structure of local authorities in Wellington. The proposals affect the number of councils as well as their responsibilities and powers.
Nine councils are most affected: Kāpiti Coast; Porirua; Wellington City; Hutt City; Upper Hutt; South Wairarapa; Carterton; Masterton; and the Greater Wellington Regional Council.
The Chief Executive Officer of the Commission, Donald Riezebos, said the Commissioners have already met a number of affected groups to discuss the proposals. The discussions have involved all councils as well as iwi, Members of Parliament, representatives of business and commerce, major employers, unions, public sector agencies and organised groups.
“The Commission now wants to hear from individual members of the public. Fourteen public meetings will be held in nine centres during October and November. The Commission has chosen venues covering a wide geographical area and included daytime and evening meetings to make it as easy as possible for people to attend. We are keen to hear a range of views,” Mr Riezebos said.
At the meetings, Commissioners Basil Morrison, Grant Kirby and Anne Carter will outline the process to date and be available for questions from the public.
“Discussions at the public meetings will assist the Commission as it narrows its list of reasonably practicable options for local government in the Wellington region. It will then decide early next year whether to release a draft proposal for reorganising local government. At that stage, a more formal period of public submissions would occur,” Mr Riezebos said.
