Editorial: Leaders should not wait

Napier Mayor Bill Dalton, left, and Hastings Mayor Lawrence Yule, right, during their amalgamation debate at Bay FM, Hastings. Photo / Warren Buckland

This week my editorials have focused quite strongly on the need for our political leaders (mayors and MPs) to come together and formulate one long-term economic plan.

By calling for this, we don't deny or minimise the good work that has resulted from council co-operation, but this is not enough. The public perception is that there is disunity at the top political level.

Our readers believe the issue of amalgamation has caused a rift between some of our mayors. I have spent some time over the last two days contacting our political leaders to challenge them to get together publicly and develop a plan for the future.

I have had a positive reaction from most of the group, but have not heard back from some of them. I won't go into who said what at this stage as I do want to wait until I have heard from everyone.

While I was pleased with the response from most, it was pointed out to me by one person that this group has met before and that the mayors do co-operate in the mayoral forum.

I understand that, but the reaction I have had from readers and the wider public in the last few days is that it is not enough and our leaders need to show us what they are doing and show unity.

This paper is staying out of the amalgamation debate, which I believe has muddied the waters. The general public, by my understanding, is tired of it and they simply want the region they love to be thriving and not languishing at the bottom of nearly every provincial economic and social table.

The Local Government Commission is due to come back soon with a decision on whether or not to proceed with the amalgamation proposal.

We musn't wait for that, our leaders need to start working on an economic vision together now.