Make Voice heard on super-city

ADVOCACY: Mick Campbell says the Voice desk is encouraging lots of friendly debate ... "people are passionate about it either way". PHOTO/ALISA YONG

Carterton Voice, a group of residents who describe themselves as "sceptical" of the Local Government Commission's super-city proposal, have launched a series of events and workshops to raise awareness and encourage submissions on the proposal.

The group, which was formed last year, has set up a website and Facebook page, and is encouraging people to join its mailing list by collecting residential email addresses outside Carterton New World.

Carterton Voice member Mick Campbell, who is manning the desk outside the supermarket every day this week, said it was encouraging a lot of "friendly debate".

"We've had lots of debate from people. People are passionate about it either way."

He said it was important people understood that a referendum was not automatic.

"For me, the big thing is that people don't know - it's not just about having people follow my opinion. It's about people understanding that they need to have their say."

Carterton Voice member Tracey O'Callaghan said the group was not just about opposing the proposal, but about making sure residents were informed. "It's making sure people don't get confused about the stages of the process ... it's not a done deal yet.

"There were so many reports and people were getting so confused - so it is just trying to take away some of that confusion."

In collaboration with Toastmasters, the group is also hosting a meeting at the Carterton Events Centre on January 21 to discuss the pros and cons of the proposal.

Speakers from Wairarapa councils, the Greater Wellington Regional Council, Better Wairarapa, the government and Carterton Voice will present their views at the meeting as well as explaining the consultation process.

The group will also run workshops on how to make submissions. These will be held at Tarragon Cafe every Monday from January 26.

Blank submission forms and partially completed template forms will also be available on the Carterton Voice website.

-Submissions on the proposal must be sent to submissions@lgc.govt.nz before 4pm on Monday, March 2.