Waikato councils united?

A unanimous vote at the Waikato District Council (WDC) appears set to pave the way for a Waikato amalgamation.

As our previous issue went to print, WDC mayor Aksel Bech confirmed that a Western Waikato Unitary proposal will now be put forward to central government through the Head Start process, which allows councils to submit structural changes.

So, councillors may have, effectively, voted that their roles become redundant.

“The decision is in some ways the most significant milestone since 1989 when the Waikato District Council was formed,” he says.

“No matter the decision we land on, the very nature and shape of Waikato District Council will cease to exist and something else will come in its place.”

From the beginning of the Head Start process in May, Bech and his fellow WD Ccouncillors have canvased the district for feedback.

“We decided early on to hold the pen and show leadership on behalf of communities,” he says.

“I am pleased that the recommended option is thinking about the region as a whole and how best to give effect to the things that our communities told us mattered most, while meeting central government’s criteria.”

The Western Waikato model would see a new council responsible for a region stretching from the headwaters of Lake Taupo to Port Waikato.

Of course, a strong partnership between councils is essential should amalgamation be achieved.

While South Waikato and Waipa District Councils have also voted in support of the proposal, Hamilton City has opted out, voting against submitting a proposal, at least in its present form.

Taupo District Council has rejected the proposal requesting more time from the government.

So, while progress has been made, there is more water to pass under this (Waikato River) bridge – more public consultation will be in the pipeline before any final decisions are made.

“There should be opportunity for any proposed model to have further community consultation before councils make decisions about the future structure of local government and governance structures,” Bech adds.