Hold up in amalgamation decision holds up solutions for Wellington

Wellington Employers’ Chamber of Commerce is disappointed that a decision on local body amalgamation for the region has been delayed.

Chief Executive Raewyn Bleakley said the two-month delay, till June, was not the first delay in the Local Government Commission process.

“It’s disappointing because we need to get on with this.

“It’s crucial for the region that we know what’s going on so we can get on with taking the region forward.

“It’s unclear why there has been another delay. If it’s a matter of the commission’s workload then perhaps its resources need to be looked at.

“I know there are other proposals on the table which have involved hearings in Northland and Hawke’s Bay, so perhaps further resources need to be called in to support the commission.

“If this delay means we get a more robust report, then we are certainly in favour of that. However, we’re only at the very start of a much longer process. Following this draft proposal, we then have public submissions, a final proposal, and a possible public referendum.

“The Wellington region is currently in a holding pattern – which is holding us back.

“Further delays just put the solutions further away.

“We need an assurance that this new timeframe will be met.”

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