Have a say on future councils

Wairarapa ratepayers are being urged to head along to public meetings to discuss the future of local governance in the region.

The meetings are being held this week in each of the main towns, organised by the Wairarapa Governance Review Working Party.

The first were held last night in Carterton and Featherston.

A Wairarapa unitary authority, which would incorporate both regional and district council functions, has been agreed on by the three district councils.

Wairarapa Chamber of Commerce chief executive Stephanie Gundersen-Reid said there were still unanswered questions around the proposal.

"People are being asked to make a choice without the clarity needed to make this decision," she said.

"The questions they need to ask are: What is the vision for Wairarapa for the next 10, 20, 50 years? What is the plan to increase employment, investment and exports? What is the plan for economic growth? What will the cost be to our region under a unitary authority? What will those costs be if we are included with Wellington? Are we happy to be isolated from Wellington? What strength of "voice" will Wairarapa have with central government if it becomes a unitary authority?"

Wairarapa residents have until February 4 to provide feedback. After consultation the preferred option will be reviewed and adopted.

Public meetings still to come: Greytown, tonight, 7pm WBS Room, Greytown Town Centre; Martinborough, tomorrow, 7pm, Martinborough Town Hall; Masterton, Thursday, 7pm, Frank Cody Lounge, Masterton.