Candidates all against a super-city

JACQUI MALCOLM

Carterton's by-election hopefuls have come out against a potential super-city at a candidates meeting hosted by the Times-Age last night.

When asked to give a one-word reply to the super-city question during question time, all candidates expressed a preference for the status quo, although some expressed reservations.

The meeting, held at the Carterton Events Centre, gave candidates the opportunity to showcase why they should be chosen to represent the district.

All seven candidates addressed the audience for five minutes each, outlining their background, skills and vision for Carterton, before the floor was opened to questions.

While supporting the status quo, Brian Deller, a sales manager and designer at Ordish and Stevens, said more information and accurate costing was needed.

"We already have the expertise to go it alone in Wairarapa, but as I've said I need to be convinced of the best option for us."

Russell Keys, owner of an electrical contracting business, said he was personally opposed to the proposal but wanted to learn more about the possible benefits.

"I have reservations about the benefits to Carterton of joining the Wellington super-city. From a purely emotive point of view I am against it as this is my home, and I guess it feels like our independence is being threatened - from a practical point of view I need more facts about the true benefits to Carterton particularly and the Wairarapa in general."

Tracey O'Callaghan, owner of Summit Lodge, a boutique bed and breakfast, said joining the super-city would mean a loss of autonomy for Carterton.

"Keeping the local in local government is really important, and this is a battle I've already joined and will continue to fight."

Grant Smith, former owner of a trucking business, said he supported a unitary authority.

"I don't believe the commission has been given the right information. I firmly believe that there's too much propaganda from a certain sector of the opposition to amalgamate."

Jacqui Malcolm, who owns a beauty therapy business, said Wairarapa and Wellington were too different.

"I'm against the black hole known as amalgamation or the super-city ... how could a governing body from over the hill understand our different priorities?"

Jenny Chalmers, the Vicar of St Mark's, said a binding referendum should be held to decide the issue.

"The commission has handed us a stark choice - either continue as we are or become part of Wellington city."

Although supporting the status quo, Rob Harris, a government contractor, said the only benefit to the proposal would be having two councillors as opposed to one, as is now the case on the Greater Wellington Regional Council.

"I believe the only good thing in the super-city arrangement is that the Wairarapa would have two representatives."