I have just returned from a marathon informal council meeting. I know the Napier City Council is known for having reasonably short meetings and there is a good reason for that – we are efficient. Over the years I have spent a significant part of my time serving my community on a variety of committees, boards, trusts and councils. And I have to say that the current Napier City Council is one of the most efficient groups I have served.
Sure we don’t always agree. Sure we argue at times. But almost always, we are discussing the issue not the personalities. And that is the difference between this council and previous councils of which I have been most critical. We discuss the issues not the people who have an opinion on these issues. The distinction is most important.
Today we discussed a variety of issues – all of which are important to the future of our city and our region. And one of the things we discussed was the amalgamation of our local authorities. And frankly I am sick and tired of the absolute codswallop that is being spoken on this issue.
In terms of members of the three local councils, opinions are generally divided into three groups:
1. Those for amalgamation.
2. Those against amalgamation
3. And the majority – those who believe if they keep their heads below the parapets they won’t get them shot off.
I have always made my position 100% clear on amalgamation. I believe it is inevitable but it should be an evolutionary thing not a revolutionary thing.
Napier and Hastings (and the regional council) do not need a shotgun marriage which will create resentment and bitterness.
We need to work collaboratively with a view to reaching a point where we say either:
Yes we have extracted all the efficiencies we can from the system so let’s continue with the local representation that has served us well for decades or:
Now we are working so well together we might as well consummate the marriage and merge the local entities.
Whatever the decision, the decision making process will not be well served by those prepared to pluck ridiculous figures out of the air to further their own political ambitions.
Related posts:
Recent Comments