In May, Central Government announced changes to how local government is organised across Aotearoa. Simplifying Local Government asked councils to consider whether there should be fewer councils in each region. They have offered a voluntary Head Start Pathway to give councils that are ready, the opportunity to put forward an early proposal on joining with other councils, for the Government to consider.
Making the most of the time available, Mayor Aksel and Councillors moved quickly to raise community awareness, asking our people for feedback on how Waikato District could be shaped in the future, before they submit a proposal on 9 August.
Feedback has now closed. Mayor Aksel and Councillors connected face-to-face with hundreds in our communities, through over 30 in-person meetings around the district, and through our online feedback channels. They have had many talks with Iwi leaders and marae representatives, other councils, and key stakeholders such as Federated Farmers.
Yesterday, Mayor Aksel and Councillors were in a workshop carefully considering the feedback, information and insights that have been shared, as they start to shape their thinking. There is still work to be done before sitting down to an Extraordinary Council meeting on Wednesday 5 August where our proposal will be adopted, ready to submit to Central Government on 9 August.
In the coming weeks we will share what we heard, and how it has been reflected in the final proposal through our website and community boards and committees.
Thank you for taking your seat at the table and having your say. It means that together we are shaping the best decisions for our district’s future.
