Super-city plan gets an airing

INFORMATION: Anders Crofoot will chair Wednesday's meeting. PHOTO/FILE

Open invitation to hear speakers thrash out the pros and cons

Wairarapa residents will get the chance to learn more about the super-city proposal at a public meeting being held next week.

Masterton Toastmasters are hosting an information and awareness evening to discuss the draft Local Government Commission proposal, at the Carterton Events Centre next Wednesday.

Representatives from central and local government, Better Wairarapa, Carterton Voice and a rural spokesperson have been asked to explain their views on the advantages and disadvantages of the proposal.

Speakers will include Fran Wilde from the Greater Wellington Regional Council, New Zealand First MP Ron Mark, Steph Gunderson-Reid from Better Wairarapa, Tracey O'Callaghan from Carterton Voice, Chris Garland representing the rural perspective and a representative from the Wairarapa Governance Working Party.

The Local Government Commission has been invited to send a representative to explain the proposal and consultation process.

Toastmasters member Anders Crofoot, who is chairing the meeting, said it was intended to inform the community of the pros and cons of the proposal.

"The goal is basically to get some informed discussion going on and raise the point of how to make submissions. It's getting the community informed."

It was important to note the meeting would not be a debate, Mr Crofoot said.

"Emotions are running quite high on some aspects but one of the big issues is how representation is going to be dealt with."

Speakers will address the audience for up to eight minutes on the question: "From your perspective, what are the pros and cons of the Local Government Commission's draft Wellington reorganisation proposal?"

If time permits, the presentations will be followed by questions.

Questions must be submitted in advance to Mr Crofoot, email anders@castlepoint.co.nz.

The meeting begins at 7.30pm and will finish with tea and coffee in the foyer at 9pm.