Submission details
| Submission ID | 11226 |
|---|---|
| Name | Jason |
| Date | 12 June 2026 |
| How important is to address the challenges that come with working across boundaries |
Extremely 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 |
Extremely important
|
| How important is more engagement with local democracy |
Extremely important
|
| How important is a resilient region |
Extremely important
|
| How important is statutory and iwi alignment |
Extremely important
|
| How important is it to be evidence-led |
Somewhat important
|
| Thinking about potential mergers with other councils, what, if any, opportunities do you see? |
Knowing many people I have worked with in Hamilton city commute from Cambridge or Te Awamutu, there is merit to being able to have their input towards where they work despite living outside of the town. I could also see this being an opportunity for local councils to be able to have their ratepayers benefit further from the Hamilton investments, much like the commentary seen online where they are charged to visit the Hamilton Gardens despite their contribution to our local economy.
|
| Thinking about potential mergers with other councils, what, if any, concerns do you have? |
My immediate concern is having a similar representation to the Auckland super city council merger which resulted in some communities feeling like they’ll be outvoiced by the regions that have more people representing their wants and needs. The needs of our regional councils will differ and will require them to have some level of representation that has the weight required to find benefits with merging them into the amalgamated council that takes shape.
Another concern I have is around what this means for me as a ratepayer. It stings to have rates rise to cover the rising costs in the city I live and work in, and I see value in the investments for the infrastructure we desperately need - noting the new water towers at the lake. However, what added risk is then needed to be placed on all ratepayers as our regional councils merge with us? Where we might have mitigations in place for some risks we can experience as a city, other councils may not have the funds or requisite to do the same. Will this now be placed on me with further hikes in what is already becoming a very unaffordable country to live in as the cost to secure a reliable roof over my head, whilst also having food on the table, outpaces any chances I have of receiving additional salary increases to at least keep things steady and not feel like I’m falling further backwards? It is a selfish viewpoint, but there is not much money left over for me to enjoy anything I’m investing toward because life in general has become expensive to even enjoy a night out. A balance needs to be struck where the rates are not on a runaway train because spending is not focused on the right areas that have beneficial returns for our city and indeed our regions in the future. |
| Are you giving feedback on behalf of an organisation? |
No, these are my own personal views
|