Ruapehu Mayor Weston Kirton says the strong community turnout at public meetings in Ohakune and Taumarunui to discuss the Government’s Simplifying Local Government Head Start pathway and possible amalgamation options has provided valuable insights for Council.
“It was great to see people coming along to be part of the conversation on Ruapehu’s future,” said Mayor Kirton.
“People were able to hear about the information available so far, discuss potential amalgamation options, ask questions, and have their say on what was important to them.”
Mayor Kirton said it was clear from the feedback received that there are a wide range of viewpoints people want taken into account.
“These included everything from access to health services, river catchments, iwi boundaries, links to the maunga, economic connections, splitting the district, and communities of interest amongst other things.
“The wide variety of ‘lenses’ through which people view their affiliation to neighbouring areas means there is no clear and obvious winner in any direction that everyone would all agree on.”
Mayor Kirton said that while Government has set out criteria under which it will assess any proposals, there are still many unknowns.
“What we do know is that 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.”
He said it was stressed at both hui that Ruapehu has a number of pathways open to it.”
Mayor Kirton said that every option will have pros and cons which will come with trade-offs for local voice, representation, cost, and how closely decisions reflect local needs.
Next Wednesday 3 June Council will have a presentation from consultants Morrison and Low outlining possible opportunities, benefits, challenges, and costs associated with options which could be considered.
“Any future arrangement supported by Council would need to deliver clear and measurable benefits for Ruapehu communities,” said Mayor Kirton.
“From my viewpoint this must mean protection for effective local representation, local voice and identity, and economies of scale with clear cost benefits.”
Following the Council meeting, Council intends to seek further public feedback through a community survey on the identified options.
“The survey will not be a binding poll but will help inform any amalgamation proposals we might put to Government before the 9 August deadline.
“It should also be noted that any final decisions ultimately sit with Government, who could choose to override Council’s and the community’s wishes.”
Council’s Wednesday meeting will be livestreamed via Council’s website at ruapehudc.govt.nz and the community is encouraged to listen in.
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