Environment Southland open to investigating amalgamation

“If some form of amalgamation makes sense for Southland, we’re up for exploring that,” Environment Southland Chairman Nicol Horrell said.

“If we can save money and deliver better outcomes, then we should absolutely consider them. Where there’s proven benefits, and few or no downsides, we’d support aligning council resources, sharing services or amalgamation.”

The Local Government Commission (LGC) has asked Southland councils whether they support it investigating governance arrangements. This comes in response to a formal request from the Southland District Council for change.

“An investigation should also carefully consider costs, including any disruption to our current work programme. We need to get that right, because we don’t want an outcome that delivers less benefits and costs more,” Chairman Horrell explained.

If the LGC does investigate, it will consider the benefits of a wide range of options for change, not just the Southland District Council proposal.

“That includes looking at different options, and the benefits and costs of each,” he said.

“The Commission will need a good range of evidence to make any decisions, which is why Environment Southland has commissioned research into the benefits and costs of different amalgamation options.

“We’d need to be sure that any proposed changes have the backing of Southlanders and aren’t imposed upon us from the outside. That includes making sure people are still able to have their say about Council priorities and services.

“Environment Southland also believes the Local Government Commission should pay for any investigation. Ratepayers’ money shouldn’t be spent on a nationally run process.”

Environment Southland will finalise its official response at the Strategy & Policy Committee meeting on Wednesday 21 May.