Council intends to survive

Waimarino Bulletin, Volume 6, Issue 240, 19 April 1988, Page 4

Council intends to survive

In reply to Mr J. F. Palmer's letter re: Election of the Waimarino District Council published Tuesday, March 29, 1988 I wish to point out that the Discussion Document to which he refers and the invitation to make submissions on the future of Local Government Reform in New Zealand just happened to coincide with the election of the Waimarino District Council. Further, as submissions were required to be in the hands of the secretary of local government by April 8, council decided that it must move quickly to discuss this document and prepare its own submission. There was no way we could shelve this task if we wanted our views to be considered by government. Views we believe are important and ought to be heard. In regard to our future as a council I wish to assure all Waimarino residents that it is our very real intention to survive and in thff process prove we can operate efficiently and effectively. No doubt there is a possibility in future that we could be forced

into a larger union. However after having spoken recently to Mr Brian Ellwood, the chairman of the local government commission, I am more confident this will not happen at least in the short term. It is his belief that there is a place for local authorities the size of the Waimarino District Council. Particularly when an amalgamation has occurred as in our case. This is despite an apparent desire by the government to create larger regional bodies. In the meantime we get on with the job we were elected to do. Already the council has toured the greater part of the district on a familiarisation exercise. A committee structure .has been established and we are eager to tackle the work ahead particularly the major projects such as the Rangataura and Pipiriki sewerage schemes and treatment of the Ohakune water. So far there has been a real determination evident amongst the

council and its staff to work in a united manner. Hopefully in twelve months time we will be able to say it was all worthwhile. It is my sincere belief it will be.

G. S.

Workman

Mayor.