Local Government mergers

Press, 13 March 1985, Page 16

Local Government mergers

Sir,—l am concerned about forcing district councils into becoming large city Governments. The last thing we need is a bigger Government because people will lose the power to have more say in the decision-making process that regulates our immediate area and bylaws. It was reported that 15 per cent of the voters of the areas considered for amalgamation must petition against it. Will the public be informed as to how to participate in rejecting this legislation? It is hard to believe that the voters will allow Dr Bassett, the Minister of Local Government, to put through this legislation. Before you know it there will not be any local Governments left as we know them today if they all become regional Governments. — Yours, etc., JENNY GOODMAN March 11, 1985.

Sir,—l appreciate “The Press” of March 9 informing us about the proposed legislation to bring local districts under the jurisdiction of bodies like the Christchurch City Council. The amalgamation of councils will centralise the power in the hands of a few, bringing about a loss of voting representation. Sir Hamish Hay claims that this could increase efficiency, but as Mr Alpers (Heathcote) pointed out the City Council is already over-staffed and less efficient when compared with some other local bodies. How could more centralised power and an increase in bureaucracy bring about efficiency? Less control will bring about more freedom of choice on local issues. Our choice to have local representation is vitally important and amalgamation of councils will be a loss of freedom.—Yours, -etc., BETTY POWELL. ll, 1985.