Have your say on Wellington local government reform

Local Labour MPs have spoken out this morning, urging Wellingtonians to have their say on local government reform.

“The release of the ‘Better Local Government’ paper, intended to make it easier for council amalgamations, has put local government reform back on the agenda,” Annette King, MP for Rongotai said today.

“Wellington City Council has issued an options paper looking at four different proposals for reorganisation of local government in the city and the wider region. They want feedback and we are determined to provide an opportunity for that to happen.

“Too often consultation on important local issues comes and goes without the chance for real community engagement.

“To counter that, my colleagues Grant Robertson, Charles Chauvel and Rino Tirikatene and I, plan to hold six public meetings across the city over the next three weeks,” Annette King said.

Rino Tirikatene, MP for Te Tai Tonga says decisions made by local government impacted on whānau in the city.  “I encourage whanau in the city to get along to these hui.”

“With submissions on the options paper closing on 29 June, The timetable is short.  We urge people to come along and have their say,” Annette King said.

Wellington City Council’s four different proposals can be found at:

http://www.wellington.govt.nz/haveyoursay/publicinput/2012-05-reform.html

See image for Meeting details