Pinned Post
The New Zealand Government is wanting to reduce the sizes of local, district and regional councils in order to drive both cost and infrastructure efficiencies. We have until Agust 9th to make our voices heard. What are your chief concerns?
Here are some questions we are asking WDC Mayor Aksel Bech which might help to prompt your voice.
1. Local Voice How can residents be assured communities such as Tamahere, Matangi and Tauwhare will retain a meaningful local voice if council structures are consolidated or merged?
2. Representation What specific safeguards would you support to ensure local representation is not diluted under any future governance arrangements?
3. Rates and Affordability One of the drivers behind reform is improving efficiency and affordability. How confident are you that these changes will actually reduce costs for ratepayers?
4. Decision-Making What decisions affecting Tamahere should always remain local, regardless of any future regional governance model?
5. Growth Pressures Tamahere continues to experience significant growth. How would proposed reforms affect planning, infrastructure investment and community development in our area?
6. Community Identity How can Waikato District preserve the unique identity and character of communities such as Tamahere while pursuing greater regional collaboration?
7. The Future Vision Looking ten years ahead, what does success look like for Waikato District under a reformed local government system?
Many thanks
7. The Future Vision Looking ten years ahead, what does success look like for Waikato District under a reformed local government system? Well, if amalgamations progress then there won't be a Waikato District from late 2028 onwards! Success to me personally will be to see greater community empowerment and self determination - we have that view and ambition in Tamahere but many of our communities do not. Genuine legislatively protected delegation of decision making WITH funding will assist. And then with continued economic growth here in the "golden triangle", there will be more opportunities for us all to live, work and play in an awesome part of the world!