‘Open mind’ on mergers

Press, 15 March 1985, Page 5

‘Open mind’ on mergers

Ms Vicki Buck, a Christchurch City councillor who has been appointed to the new Local Government Commission, says she has an “open mind” on the issue of amalgamation in Christchurch. Ms Buck said that she would remain on the Christchurch City Council, but she • would not take part in any of the commission's discussions about the city. “When the Local Government Commission goes to Christchurch to look at amalgamations here, or any other aspect, I will not take any part in it,” she said. She had not made known her views on amalgamation in Christchurch, but said she could see both sides, of the issue. ■■■.> “The important thing is to listen to what the people want rather than impose on them anything that local authorities want,” she said. There was some talk of the commission’s having fewer meetings in Wellington, and Ms Buck said she would encourage this because of her continued involvement with the'Christchurch City Council and her desire to continue living in Christchurch. The Local Government

Amendment Act would give the commission more teeth to deal with its task, Ms Buck said. “The present commission is handicapped by having absolutely no teeth.” She attributes her appointment to her 10 years as a Christchurch City councillor, a five-year link with the Canterbury United Council, and a thesis on local government which she wrote for her master’s degree. Ms Buck, who is 29, expected she would leave her job with the district employment training advisory committee. Earlier report, page 3