Environment Southland supports investigation into amalgamation

Environment Southland has confirmed its support for an investigation into the options for reorganising Southland’s local councils.

Councillors discussed their response to a request from the Local Government Commission (LGC) which 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.

Environment Southland Chairman Nicol Horrell said councillors discussed their support for an investigation, including whether council should request the investigation is delayed until after this year’s local body elections.

“We’re supportive of an investigation that considers all options available to us, including shared services or a reorganisation of local councils.

“It’s important that we retain local governance while achieving cost savings for our communities. There hasn’t been significant change in local council representation in 40 years, and we know our community is looking for this. Southland could lead the way.”

“Knowing how long these processes can take, Council agreed to ask the Commission to start immediately rather than delay the investigation until after this year’s elections.” Chairman Horrell explained.

Southland councils were asked to reply to the LGC by 23 May. The LGC intends to decide on whether to investigate the initiative in June this year.