Strong community response on reform options

Gore District Mayor Ben Bell has thanked the hundreds of residents who shared their views on the future of local government in the south, calling the response strong for a District of Gore's size.

"I want to thank everyone who took the time to have their say.

“More than 370 people filled out a feedback form, and many more followed the conversation and commented online. That level of engagement tells me people care deeply about this District and its future.

“Every one of those views is now in front of the Council."

The feedback followed a six-week campaign asking residents for their views on five options for local government reform.

In addition to the 370-plus completed feedback forms, the campaign reached thousands of people through social media, radio, a double-page advertorial in The Ensign, and the Council's Let's Talk page.

Mr Bell said it was important to keep the reform conversation in perspective.

No decision has been made to merge the Gore District Council with any other council, and no structure has been settled, he said.

“The only decision before the Council is whether to lodge a Head Start proposal by the Government's 9 August deadline or stick with the Local Government Commission’s reform process.”

Mr Bell noted that the Local Government Commission's separate, independent investigation into Southland's local government was continuing, and that it had recently released two preferred options.

These options closely aligned to the two most popular options identified in the Council’s survey – two Southland unitary authorities (Invercargill City and Southland and Gore district councils combined), and one Southland unitary authority.

"Wherever the conversation goes, the thing I'll be fighting hardest for is local representation."

The agenda for next Tuesday’s Council meeting, which includes a report on the campaign and the full set of responses, is available on the Council's website www.goredc.govt.nz