Councils open to merge

Five Waikato district councils are talking up the possibility of joining forces. --------------------

The majority of councillors in the "tight five" have given the thumbs up to further investigation into amalgamating at least five of the Waikato's councils and want it to begin as soon as possible.

Mayors, chief executives and about 50 councillors from Hamilton, Waikato, Waipa, Otorohanga, and Matamata-Piako district councils yesterday signalled they were open to discussing how local government could best address significant population growth.

Matamata-Piako mayor Hugh Vercoe, who chaired yesterday's annual meeting, said forecasts suggesting the number of people living in the central region would double in the next 50 years was the main reason behind the discussions.

He said the outcome could be one of many things investigated including amalgamation and changing boundaries.

"There's a general agreement by councils to start dialogue.

"The CEOs of the five councils will now go back to councils to see how do we go from here," Mr Vercoe said.

Hamilton mayor Bob Simcock said it was a positive discussion and a group would be set up with representatives from the tight five to discuss the next step.

He said while there was no power to make decisions at yesterday's meeting, it showed councillors were "open-minded" about amalgamating.

Mr Simcock said discussions were not limited to the tight five and it was up to the other councils in the Waikato if they wanted to be involved.

"There's a view we should be open to others joining in the conversation if they want to."

Former Hamilton City Council mayor Margaret Evans, who is leading the pro-super region group, has previously supported discussions into all 11 councils including Environment Waikato combining.

Ms Evans believes a super region would save ratepayers millions of dollars a year.

The councils were also updated on Hamilton Airport and plans for the World Rowing Champs.

- © Fairfax NZ News