Hon Paula Bennett
Minister of Local Government
15 September 2015 Media Statement
Hawke’s Bay choses its local democracy
Hawke’s Bay residents’ decision to keep their current local government structures shows the value of letting communities
decide, Local Government Minister Paula Bennett says.
It was announced today that voters in the Hawke’s Bay have chosen not to amalgamate the Napier, Hastings, Wairoa,
Central Hawke’s Bay and Hawke’s Bay regional councils.
“I have consistently said that it is up for communities to decide what they want local democracy to look like in their
towns and cities,” Mrs Bennett says.
“No matter what the structure is, New Zealanders’ expectations of local government are quite clear. They want their
local leaders to focus on promoting strong regional growth, spending ratepayers’ money wisely, and provide outstanding
customer service.
“This has been a hard fought campaign by those both in favour and against amalgamation, and I hope the region comes
together to focus on creating more growth and opportunities.”