Council may keep boards

Ruapehu Bulletin, Volume 9, Issue 424, 18 February 1992, Page 3

Council may keep boards

Garrick Workman was not prepared to "stand in front of the (Local Government) Commission and present a case for the abolition of community boards, while many councillors had second thoughts. So the matter will be discussed by the council again at their meeting on Friday (see story in last week's Bulletin). Mayor Workman said X

the two northern boards had earlier voted to accept their demise, and the southern wards had voted to remain. But recently the two northern boards of Ohura and National Park had expressed doubts, along with their councillors. "The idea was becoming to be seen as taking away the democratic V.

voice of the people," he said. He said he had spent the weekend before the meeting with the com-

mission (last Tuesday) canvassing opinion of the councillors, and it was following this that he decided to take the matter back to the council. "If they decide to stick with the move it will be up to the Commission to decide." Mayor Workman said he thought the northern boards could be scrapped and one combined Waimarino - Waiouru ward set up, and given

more statutory powers. "But for the sake of democracy we should retain the status quo rather than rock the boat."