If you are looking for evidence of why consolidation of HB councils might be warranted, it’s furnished by the media release published verbatim below.
A perfect example of the ‘transaction costs’ of having five councils.
For context …
In the first week of May the Government instructed local councils across NZ: ‘Come up with a reorganisation plan (strongly signalling that unitary councils were the desired outcome) in three months or we’ll step in and do it for you’.
Next week one month has passed. How far have our councils progressed?
As their media release indicates, our mayors have agreed to put forward to their respective councils next week a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) that basically says: ‘OK, we agree to work together to explore options.’ It took four weeks to negotiate and wordsmith that commitment, which now their councils will be asked to endorse.
That leaves now 60 days or so to get the real job done. Tick…tick…tick
No one has a clue yet as to how our leaders will resolve this challenge. The leaders promise “engagement with mana whenua partners, key stakeholders and communities” during this compressed process. But make no mistake … this is a moment for political leadership, not a heap of public consultation. No status quo and no referenda this time around.
Indeed, Item 10 of the MoU makes clear where the public ranks in this process: “The Parties acknowledge that frank discussion and the exchange of preliminary information will be necessary throughout the process and agree to maintain appropriate confidentiality where required to support constructive engagement.”
In this rare case, I agree. Let those who know how local government actually works get on with it and make the call.
The MoU is also careful to say that councils at this point are not committing to any particular outcome.
Mayoral media release …
Hawke’s Bay councils will next week consider entering into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) that would see them explore the region’s options under the Government’s Simplifying Local Government Head Start pathway.
The proposed agreement involves Hastings District Council, Napier City Council, Central Hawke’s Bay District Council, Wairoa District Council and Hawke’s Bay Regional Council.
Under the proposed MoU, the four territorial authorities would lead exploration of potential future arrangements, with Hawke’s Bay Regional Council participating as a signatory and supporting the regional process in recognition of its regional role and statutory responsibilities.
If supported, the MoU would establish how councils will work together to explore options, share information and coordinate aspects of the regional process while retaining independent council decision-making.
The Government announced the voluntary Head Start pathway earlier this month as part of its wider Simplifying Local Government reform.
Councils emphasise the decision being considered relates to participation in a regional process to explore the Government’s Head Start pathway and does not determine any future local government structure or governance arrangement for Hawke’s Bay.
Should councils agree to enter into the MoU, further analysis, regional work, information sharing and future council decisions would still be required.
The process is expected to include ongoing information sharing and engagement with mana whenua partners, key stakeholders and communities as councils work through the Government’s reforms and what they mean for Hawke’s Bay communities and the future of local government in the region.
Meeting details and council reports will be available through individual council channels.
The garbage talked during the past amalgamation debate continues – the descriptive word for all this is “aboulomania” – a symptom highly evident within the workings of this project as shown by the fact that it’s taken a month to decide to work together – which could have been stated on the first hour of the first day for heavens sake!