Mistrust and anger could hamper the Kaipara district from moving forward, more than the debt burden and financial constraints it is facing.
Yesterday, around 250 people - 220 at Mangawhai and 30 at Maungaturoto - turned out to hear the Kaipara District Council's government-appointed commissioners share their findings, explain the actions taken so far, and discuss future steps towards the district returning to an elected council in 2015.
Commissioners told those gathered at Maungaturoto that already-introduced improved governance and financial management gave them confidence they could stabilise the council's financial state by the minister's imposed 2015 deadline, but public confidence was vital for the district to move forward.
Achieving strong community support was proving a big challenge, because there were still many who believed their grievances had not been addressed, chair of commissioners John Robertson said.
Mr Robertson urged the community to work with the council to get the district "humming again".