Local bodies urged to combine

Press, 23 February 1985, Page 2

Local bodies urged to combine

Canterbury manufacturers believe that Christchurch’s local bodies should amalgamate. The bodies had a responsibility to restructure into a metropolitan city so that it could work cohesively to develop its real potential, said Mr Bill Broadhead, president of the Canterbury Manufacturers’ Association, yesterday. He welcomed the Government’s move to introduce the Local Government Amendment Bill No. 2, which would encourage local government restructuring. A strongly unified local government structure which could support the development and expansion of business and provide new employment opportunities was needed, he said. The present structure hindered the expansion and development of Christchurch. The Manufacturers’ Association believed that local bodies should reconsider a recommendation made by the Local Government Commission in 1972. The recommendation was for a scheme for the North Canterbury area which would create a new City of Christchurch and four new counties, replacing 18 territorial authorities. “Long term, a new metropolitan City of Christchurch could also be able to take over the operation of some of the ad hoc bodies,” Mr Broadhead said. “Manufacturers need the support of a modern local body structure to assist in maximising the potential companies have to expand their industrial base, not only on the domestic market but throughout the world,” he said.