The Ratepayers’ Guide to Amalgamation

The New Zealand Taxpayers’ Union has released The Ratepayers’ Guide to Amalgamation, setting out a ratepayer test for council mergers ahead of the Government’s deadline for amalgamation plans.

Taxpayers’ Union Senior Policy Analyst Josh Van Veen said:

“Councils have been given just three months to prepare amalgamation plans. Ratepayers should not be forced into bigger councils on the promise that savings might show up later.”

“Any council pushing amalgamation must prove it will cut duplication, reduce costs, and improve core services before ratepayers are asked to sign off.”

“That means publishing the transition costs upfront, setting mandatory savings targets, and having the numbers independently checked.”

“Most importantly, local communities must have the final say. Amalgamation should be approved by residents and ratepayers, not imposed from Wellington or stitched up behind closed doors.”

“Aucklanders were promised a Super City would deliver savings and efficiency. Fifteen years later, the Government still has not completed a proper post-implementation review.”

“Bigger is not always better. If amalgamation cannot pass the ratepayer test, it should not proceed.”