PRIORITY FOR SELF-RULE IN TAUPO

Taupo Times, Volume 23, Issue 58, 23 July 1974, Page 1

PRIORITY FOR SELF-RULE IN TAUPO

Priority is to be given to an autonomous district council being formed to administer the Taupo basin.

The Member of Taupo, Mr Jack Ridley, said on Saturday an amendment to the Local Government Bill permitting district councils would be introduced to Parliament soon. It was hoped the bill itself would be through its final stages by November. The Local Government Commission would then be established. "The Minister, Mr May, has assured me the commission will give priority to setting up the district council for Taupo," said Mr Ridley. "It is hoped to have the work under way within six months of the commission's formation." Mr Ridley said Taupo would be one of three areas administered by a district council. He could not say whether Taupo would be the first case considered by the commission. "I can say, though, that the Minister has assured me that urgent consideration — priority — will be given to Taupo," he said. Mr Ridley officially opened the Federation of Lake Taupo Angling, Shooting and Boating

Clubs' conference with Internal Affairs officers. He told the delegates the district council would administer an area of between 3000 and 4000 square miles. The council would be autonomous in all functions — and would not have a regional council superimposed upon it. On the control of the level of Lake Taupo, Mr Ridley said the Government realised it did not pay to let the level fall too low. A level of 1172-73 feet was much better in the long run for power generation. It offered more flexibility. "All indications point to the Government wanting to keep the level above 1172 feet and give an extra nine inches, which means such a lot to anglers and boaties," said Mr Ridley.