Federated Farmers is urging Bay of Plenty’s district council leaders to move quickly and put forward a local government reform package that genuinely delivers for ratepayers.

“Central Government has given councils three months to come up with a credible plan for the future of local government in their region,” said Bay of Plenty Federated Farmers president Brent Mountfort, pictured.

“That’s a very short runway. Councils need to get around the table and get on with the job, or Wellington will end up making those decisions for them.

“If it’s taken out of our hands, that decision could be a single council for the entire region, one that would be dominated by Tauranga.”

Tauranga City Council has the second-highest rates take per household of New Zealand’s 10 metropolitan councils, and the highest debt as a percentage of rates revenue.

“Rural communities and towns don’t want to be paying for city projects that deliver little benefit to them,” Mr Mountfort said.

The Government wants to abolish regional councils in favour of unitary councils that perform both city/district and regional council functions.

Federated Farmers agrees – but only if there are separate unitary councils for cities and for provincial/rural areas.

“Tauranga has different needs and priorities than the region’s rural areas, and it’s big enough to justify its own council,” Mr Mountfort said.

“The Western Bay, Whakatāne, Kawerau and Ōpōtiki District Councils serve communities with plenty of common interest and together could form a very effective unitary council.

“Rotorua Lakes District Council would need to decide whether to join that merger or form its own unitary council.”

Mr Mountfort said the region’s farmers, and ratepayers more broadly, were crying out for a system that delivered better representation and value for money.

“Bay of Plenty’s five district councils cannot afford to waste the opportunity in front of it.

“This is probably our best chance in a generation to reshape local government into something that actually works for our local communities.

“We need council leaders to show some urgency and a willingness to work together.

“If they’re not sure where to start, go and read our carefully thought-out proposal.”

“Federated Farmers absolutely wants to be part of that discussion, so rural voices are front and centre when recommendations go to Government.”