Horizons Region leaders take unified approach to local government reform

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.”

 
Mayors, Horizons’ chair and the chief executives of all councils in the region will work collaboratively with each other, central government, tangata whenua and the wider community to deliver enduring solutions, says Mayor Bernie.
 
“We are committed to shaping a system that is simpler, stronger, and sustainable – one that stands the test of time and reflects the aspirations of everyone in our districts and the Horizons Region.” 


Horizons’ chair Nikki Riley says having a collaborative approach and unified voice for the region will help to create benefits for all districts. 
 
“While each district is unique, if the proposal becomes reality we will all need to work together to ensure the Regional Reorganisation Plan realises maximum benefits for everyone.
 
“Coming together now will ensure we are in the best possible position to make any possible benefits a reality."

Image: Waitārere Beach.