The Local Government Commission today recommended that the 9 councils in the Wellington region become one, called the Greater Wellington Council. There would be one mayor and 21 councillors. Each smaller region would have its own local board which would have responsibility for local matters like parks, libraries, sports centres, rubbish, transport and economic development. The change would happen at the time of the local body elections in 2016.
The local councils at the moment are north west of Wellington on the Kapiti Coast, Lower Hutt and Upper Hutt, and the Wairarapa area north east of Wellington over the Rimutaka hill.
People have the chance to give their written feedback by March 2nd. After that, there will be public hearings where people can give their opinions in person.
This super city will be similar to what happened in Auckland four years ago. Listen to November 1st 2010 to hear more about the Auckland super city.
A super city worries some people who look at the high cost of houses and the poor transport in Auckland. Other people say that a super city will be better for business as some councils are too small to encourage business.
However, the Hutt Valley council does not want to be part of Wellington. The Hutt is big enough to manage their own affairs. The three Wairarapa councils do not want to be part of a Wellington super city. The Wairarapa is more rural whereas Wellington is urban. Many people on the Kapiti coast can see the advantages in being part of Wellington which can help solve problems of transport, coastal erosion and water shortages. Most workers who live on the Kapiti coast commute into Wellington city each day.
Vocabulary
• Local Government Commission – a government committee responsible for local councils
• in person – people can speak to the Commission members and answer questions
• erosion – the sea moving into the land
• commute – travel to work
Grammar
Note: In the first paragraph,
for something that would happen in the future if Wellington becomes a super city