By Tim Macindoe:
Hamilton is no stranger to change. As one of New Zealand’s fastest growing cities, we’ve become skilled at adapting, planning, and looking ahead. Now, we’re potentially on the cusp of the biggest change to local government in decades – and how we respond will help shape the future of our city and region.
In May, central government announced its approach to ‘Simplifying Local Government’. The aim is clear – to streamline how councils operate, reduce complexity, and improve the efficiency of services for our communities. For councils across the country, including Hamilton City Council, this is a time for careful consideration and important decision-making.
The reform offers two pathways. The first is a voluntary ‘Head Start’ approach, where councils put forward proposals for new models for their regions. The second is a ‘Back Stop’ process, where the ability to influence the change is limited.
Here in Hamilton, we’re not opting to sit back and let decisions be made for us. That’s why elected members agreed to pursue the Head Start pathway. This ensures Hamilton has a strong voice in shaping what comes next and allows us to put forward a proposal that reflects the best interests of our city and surrounding region.
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“Change is on its way for local councils & community has an opportunity to be part of the conversation…“ In this exclusive write-up for NewsViews, Hamilton Mayor Tim Macindoe encourages Hamiltonians to provide their feedback.
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The timeframe is tight. Councils have until 9 August to submit proposals – a short window given the scale and complexity of what is being considered. Despite this, we’re committed to ensuring our community has an opportunity to be part of the conversation, with early public consultation now underway until 5 July.
While we’ve indicated there are a number of potential models for amalgamation that we’ll be exploring initially, there are still many unknowns with the different options, making it challenging for our residents to provide fully informed views at this stage.
Instead, we’re asking our community to give their feedback on 10 principles we intend to use to evaluate the options. The principles that our community tell us are most important to them will be prioritised alongside the government’s criteria of deliverability, supporting the new planning system, simplifying governance, achieving economies of scale, and maintaining a strong local voice, as we shape our proposal.
We know potential change of this scale can be unsettling. However, the government has indicated there is likely to be further opportunities for public consultation once proposals have been reviewed. We’re committed to keeping Hamiltonians updated and involved throughout the process.
For now, one thing seems inevitable: change is on its way for local councils. With both major political parties having talked about local government reform for some time, change is likely regardless of the outcome of this year’s general election. Our focus must be on ensuring Hamilton is well positioned, informed, and proactive as we work through this process.
I encourage all Hamiltonians to visit hamilton.govt.nz/reform to learn more and share their views by 5 July. Your input will play an important role in helping shape your future council.
Tim Macindoe, Mayor of Hamilton Email: mayor@hcc.govt.nz
Editor’s Note: The views expressed in this column, ViewPoint are the personal opinions of the writer, and do not reflect the views of NewsViews nor does it ascribe to these in any manner.
Related story: https://www.newsviews.co.nz/what-matters-most-to-hamiltonians-have-your-say-on-merger-of-councils/
