Council Takes First Steps to Explore Local Government Reform Options

Waimate District Council has agreed on kickstarting conversations with South Canterbury councils around potential amalgamation proposals.

While the Government claims this process is ‘voluntary’, Council understands, that is not the case. If we do not opt in to the ‘head start’ process, we will go through a compulsory backstop process with the Government making decisions on our behalf.

We want to ensure that no decisions are made about the future of our district without us at the table.

Council has considered a range of strategic, financial and operational factors while making this decision. This includes the opportunity to shape future governance arrangements versus the risk of reduced local input in decision making if we do not engage proactively.

It was also clear to Council after the public meeting on 14 May, that the public overwhelmingly supports us claiming a seat at the table as equals. Our residents are proud of their Council; a well-run rural council with low debt is an equal to any larger neighbour when it comes to amalgamation discussions.

Council takes the public mandate seriously. It is our obligation to do what’s best for the district. In that spirit, on 25 May, Mayor Craig Rowley, Deputy Mayor Sandy McAlwee and Chief Executive Stuart Duncan will be meeting with their counterparts from Timaru, Ashburton, Mackenzie and Waitaki Districts to begin the conversation.

Council has made a promise to the public that they will be part of this journey. At the heart of any decisions we make will be our community.

We are also unequivocal: if at any stage during these conversations, proposals are made to the detriment of our district, we are prepared to walk away.