Horizons Region leaders take unified approach to local government reform

Local government leaders from across the Horizons Region are united in their support of a simpler and more effective local government system.

Mayors of all the city and district councils in the region, along with Horizons Regional Council’s chair, held their first Mayoral Forum of the new triennium on Monday 1 December. 
 
The Mayoral Forum has been in place for many years, providing an opportunity for leaders to work together on issues.
 
Mayoral Forum chair, Horowhenua District Council mayor Bernie Wanden, says the forum gives the Horizons Region a platform to speak with one voice on common issues while also ensuring local differences are understood and respected.
 
“Top of our agenda is the recent announcement related to proposed regional governance arrangements and the proposal to work on a Regional Reorganisation Plan,” says Mayor Bernie.
 
“All mayors and Horizons’ chair are united in our view that change is needed, and we are open to exploring new ways of working to deliver better outcomes for our communities and the region as a whole.
 
“We are keen to understand more about what the impact of these changes means for our communities. We cannot stress enough the importance of working with government around the details of what the reforms mean at a local level.
 
“Any reform must balance innovation and collaboration with the principles that matter most:

• protecting local voice and democratic legitimacy;
• maintaining quality services and community outcomes;
• driving affordability and efficiencies;
• ensuring equity and fairness with costs and service delivery;
• honouring and strengthening partnerships with Māori; and
• designing long-term, future-fit solutions to deliver council functions.”