Community encouraged to attend Local Government Reform Meetings

Ruapehu Mayor Weston Kirton is encouraging people to attend one of the two public meetings being organised to discuss what is currently known about the Government’s proposed local government amalgamation and unitary authority reforms and what they could mean for the district.

The first meeting will be held in Ohakune this Wednesday 20 May at 5pm in the Council Chambers on Ayr Street. The second meeting will be held in Taumarunui next Tuesday 26 May at 5pm in the Miriama Hall (downstairs Cosmopolitan Club) on Miriama Street.

Mayor Kirton said Council appreciated that the meetings were being organised at short notice, however the Government had only given councils until early August to put forward proposals and ideas for future local government reorganisation.

“Government has made it very clear that if councils do not come forward with proposals, decisions could ultimately be made for them,” said Mayor Kirton.

“These meetings are about sharing what we currently know, outlining the work Council is doing to better understand the possible options available to Ruapehu, and hearing directly from our communities.

“There are still many unknowns at this stage, but the potential changes being discussed are significant and will shape the future governance, representation, services, infrastructure, and boundaries of our district for many years to come.”

Mayor Kirton said Council believed it was important to take a proactive approach and ensure Ruapehu had a strong voice in any future discussions.

“We don’t believe it is in Ruapehu’s best interests to simply sit back and wait to see what happens. We need to understand our options and make sure our communities are part of the conversation from the beginning.

“Ruapehu potentially has a number of pathways open to it and we need to carefully assess the opportunities, risks, and impacts of each.”

Mayor Kirton said while Council was currently working with Whanganui District Council on a future water services entity, that did not automatically determine any future amalgamation arrangements.

“The Department of Internal Affairs has also indicated it is open to boundary adjustments, which means there could potentially be options involving districts both within and outside the current region.”

Mayor Kirton said any future arrangement supported by Council would need to deliver clear and measurable benefits for Ruapehu communities.

“Our position is that any proposal involving Ruapehu must improve outcomes for our ratepayers while strongly protecting our local voice, identity, and ability to influence decisions affecting our communities.”

Residents are encouraged to attend either meeting to hear the latest information, ask questions, and share their views.

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