Wira Gardiner: Region must unite and forge ahead

Sir Wira Gardiner

The Hawke's Bay community has made an important decision on its local government arrangements.

I acknowledge the commitment and energy of those who have promoted all sides of the debate, and those who took the time to engage with the issues raised by the proposal for amalgamation.

I would also like to pay tribute to this newspaper for the comprehensive manner in which it has covered this vital local issue.

Local democracy, like any other form of representation, functions best when the people on behalf of whom it exists, get involved. The poll turnout was more than 60 per cent - which shows that Hawke's Bay people care passionately about the region's future.

At the Local Government Commission this has never been doubted - it was clear from the moment we were asked - through an application from A Better Hawke's Bay trust in February 2013 - to consider reorganisation. Less clear was the direction in which Hawke's Bay wanted its local government arrangements to evolve. Through submissions, public hearings and less formal public contact, the commission formed the view that there was a divergence of opinion on the best way forward.

It also commissioned a survey of 2000 people across the region, which confirmed this divergence, but also showed a substantial body of public opinion - close to 40 per cent* - favoured amalgamation. Taking these factors together, it considered this constituted sufficient public support to issue a final proposal - which would in all likelihood be tested by a binding poll.

That has happened. Overall, voters were not convinced of the benefits of amalgamation and felt more comfortable with the status quo. What is important now is that the region unites and moves forward.

While the community has decided against amalgamation, of its five councils, many of those opposed agreed that much more can and must be done to work together to achieve permanent and effective change.

Hawke's Bay has huge potential, and everything to gain through improved delivery of cost-effective services and infrastructure - more jobs, better growth, and improved prospects across all sectors of the community. The reorganisation process now comes to an end, as does the commission's formal involvement. As part of its mandate to promote good local government across New Zealand, it will continue to investigate different ways to achieve integrated services in areas such as transport, water, and economic development - where communities want more shared services but don't necessarily want to amalgamate councils. The commission will remain available to assist in such matters, if required, as the Bay puts past differences behind it and works towards a more cohesive and sustainable future.

*A summary of the Colmar Brunton survey can be found at lgc.govt.nz

-Sir Wira Gardiner is chairman of the Local Government Commission.

-Business and civic leaders, organisers, experts in their field and interest groups can contribute opinions. The views expressed here are the writer's personal opinion and not the newspaper's. Email: editor@hbtoday.co.nz. -Viewpoints on the amalgamation debate can be submitted for consideration and will be used as long as no council resources, money, time or expertise are used in their preparation.

This is a requirement of the Local Government Act 2002.