Submission details
| Submission ID | 11220 |
|---|---|
| Name | Andrew Ashton |
| Date | 12 June 2026 |
| How important is to address the challenges that come with working across boundaries |
Somewhat important
|
| How important is a growth-ready, rural-aware system |
Somewhat important
|
| How important is it to be better for ratepayers |
Extremely important
|
| How important is the best long-term outcome |
Extremely important
|
| How important is effective decision-making |
Extremely important
|
| How important is it to strengthen our voice |
Somewhat important
|
| How important is more engagement with local democracy |
Extremely important
|
| How important is a resilient region |
Somewhat important
|
| How important is statutory and iwi alignment |
Neutral
|
| How important is it to be evidence-led |
Somewhat important
|
| Thinking about potential mergers with other councils, what, if any, opportunities do you see? |
I prefer fewer rather than more, ie Hamilton, Waikato and Waipa would be the ideal size.
However, I feel structure of the political entitity will be the key to success for ratepayers. Ratepayers and voters must be represented well, the challenge to do this over a unified region is difficult. I suggest moving away from "Super City" model (like Auckland Council). Instead, and use a US federalism style structure. i.e A power share between a single unified regional "Federal" body and autonomous local "State" boroughs. If a region like the wider Waikato—which is currently navigating these exact amalgamation debates—were to design a U.S. federal-style blueprint, it would look like this: The Regional "Federal" Government: This overarching entity would hold exclusive jurisdiction over macro-regional portfolios. In the Waikato context, this means managing large asset networks like regional public transport, emergency management, biosecurity, and civil defense. It would also handle broad spatial planning and cross-boundary infrastructure design to fulfill central government requirements. Local "State" Boroughs (e.g., Hamilton City, Waipa, Matamata-Piako): Rather than acting as weak advisory boards, these local divisions would function as distinct states. They would retain independent statutory control over local zoning bylaws, district sports parks, libraries, and neighborhood-level community services. |
| Thinking about potential mergers with other councils, what, if any, concerns do you have? |
I fear impacts on ratepayers of an increased size of infrastructure to be maintained. Thought must be given to how roads etc are funded
|
| Are you giving feedback on behalf of an organisation? |
No, these are my own personal views
|