Councils deserve better than election-year limbo

Kāpiti Coast District Mayor Janet Holborow says today’s announcement to defer amalgamation decisions until after the election is frustrating.

“Councils and communities engaged in the Head Start pathway in good faith and within tight timeframes.

“While we didn't want to be part of the Wellington region’s proposal, the lack of certainty puts us in a difficult position.

“We are now left in limbo at a time when we're already grappling with the transition to the new planning and environmental management systems, a raft of legislative changes pushed through under urgency in recent weeks, and increasing community expectations to cut costs.

"Deferring decisions on the cusp of a general election is irresponsible. Councils and communities that engaged in the Head Start pathway – at considerable cost - deserve better.

“The time and resources councils have invested to date must not be wasted and we plan to make our views on simplifying local government clear to the incoming government.

“Any change must be locally led and protect the things our communities value,” says Mayor Holborow.