Southland Referendum Gets It Right: Now Let Every Ratepayer Decide on Amalgamation

The New Zealand Taxpayers’ Union is welcoming confirmation that Southlanders will get the final say on any council reorganisation plan and is calling for every council involved in the Government’s Head Start programme to make the same commitment.

Taxpayers’ Union Investigative Lead Rhys Hurley said:

“Whether amalgamation is a good idea or a bad one, the people who pay the rates and live with the consequences need the final say.”

“The Local Government Commission process guarantees Southlanders a binding yes or no vote. Ratepayers going through Head Start deserve exactly the same right, not rounds of consultation after the wheels are already in motion.”

“The Government needs to commit that councils taking part in Head Start will not merge or amalgamate without a referendum. If politicians believe their plan stacks up, they should have nothing to fear from putting it to the people.”