Councils to meet to discuss amalgamation

Waimarino Bulletin, Volume 4, Issue 22, 28 October 1986, Page 1

Councils to meet to discuss amalgamation

Raetihi and Ohakune Borough Councils and the Waimarino County Council have been told that action must be taken in making progress towards amalgamation, otherwise the matter will be decided for them. The three councils recently received a letter from Local Government Commission chairman Brian Ellwood notifying them that a decision would be made at the commission's next meeting on 12 November. Mr Ellwood stated in the letter that a decision concerning amalgamation would be made and suggested the possibility of the newly elected councils Teaching an agreement. The issue of amalgamation has been hashedand rehashed for so long that it has almost become a pet subject at council meetings. Raetihi Mayor Garrick Workman discussed the letter with the new Raetihi council at their first meeting last week and said he thought that the commis-

sion meant business. "If we want to get this issue together without dictation from the commission we should seek a meeting of the joint councils before 12 November and see if we can't agree," he said. The only remaining issue of contention between the three councils is the matter of representation. RaetihiBorough insists upon a 5:3:3 representation formula, with Waimarino County holding five seats, and both boroughs having equal representation. Mr Workman reiterated that Raetihi Borough favours amalgamation but only on the 5:3:3 basis. Mr Workman said if it could not be on that basis. then Raetihi would maintain the status quo. or else seek formalisation of the combined administration they already shared with Waimarino County. It was noted at the meeting that an Ohakune Borough Councillor had accused the Raetihi council of initially agreeing to a representation of 5:4:3. but of later

changing their minds. Raetihi councillors said however, that this agreement was only on an informai basis while they considered it. They also pointed out that Ohakune had agreed to a 5:3:3 representation but had later backed away from the settlement. Cr Ken Summerhays commented that Raetihi should stick to their guns. "We are all certain of what we want from amalgamation." he said. "Raetihi's been keeping fairly quiet in this issue. It's about time we got our rightful share of the cake." It was suggested that the three authorities meet on 30 October and work on a solution before the matter was taken out of their hands'. Ohakune Mayor Bill Taylor said that Ohakune Borough were perfectly prepared to take part in a meeting so that the matter might be resolved. All three authorities have agreed to meet this Thursday in Raetihi to discuss Mr Ellwood's letter.