LGC begins ‘Regional Conversations’
3 February 2016
The Local Government Commission begins its Regional Conversations initiative today with a visit to Marlborough.
Commission Chair Sir Wira Gardiner, Commissioner Janie Annear, with chief executive Sandra Preston, will be in Blenheim
to meet with Mayor Alistair Sowman and Mark Wheeler, chief executive of the Marlborough District Council.
“We’re delighted to have the opportunity to come to Blenheim and hear from local government leaders about the
opportunities and challenges facing the region, and how they are approaching them,’’ Sir Wira said. “We know the council
here has an innovative approach and I’m sure there are things we can learn from their experience.
“Equally, we’d like to know about any obstacles presented and offer assistance or ideas, if appropriate, in overcoming
those.’’
The Regional Conversations programme is the Commission’s new approach to engaging with councils, focusing on
collaboration and facilitation to come up with solutions to issues regions might face. Its South Island meetings will be
led by Mrs Annear, a three-term former Mayor of Timaru.
“We appreciate that while many communities and their local government leaders face similar challenges, each region will
have its particular needs, context and potential solutions,’’ Mrs Annear said. “As part of our role to promote good
local government we hope to stimulate, enable and share conversations towards meeting common aspirations: efficient
services and cost-effective modern infrastructure allied to good quality-local decision making.’’
She said that the Marlborough Roads and Marlborough Smart and Connected initiatives were of particular interest to the
Commission.
“We’re looking forward to hearing about these and seeing if aspects of the local experience might be applicable
elsewhere.’’
Further Regional Conversations meetings have been set down for Waikato (22 February) and Otago (25 February) with dates
for others to be confirmed.
ENDS