Whangarei’s turn for informal reform meetings

Ruakaka, Tutukaka, Parua Bay and Whangarei are the latest additions to a series of informal Northland Regional Council public meetings to discuss proposed local government reform.

Regional council chairman Bill Shepherd says the meetings are an opportunity to discuss the Local Government Commission's Draft Proposal for Reorganisation of Local Government in Northland.

"The meetings are to ensure members of the public have as much information as possible, to discuss the merits and disadvantages of the commission's preferred model and to hear people's views and suggested improvements," says Councillor Shepherd.

Feedback gathered at the meetings will help influence the regional council's formal submission on the proposal, which is due to be provided to the commission by Friday 21 February.

Councillor Shepherd and regional council CEO Malcolm Nicolson have already held meetings in Kaitaia, Kerikeri, Russell and Omapere in the Far North and Kaiwaka in the Kaipara late last year.

The upcoming meetings will be as follows:

• RUAKAKA. Ruakaka Recreation Centre, Takutai Place, Ruakaka.
  Thursday 30 January, 7-9pm.
• TUTUKAKA. Oceans Resort Hotel marina room, Marina Rd, Tutukākā.
  Friday 31 January, 7-9pm.
• PARUA BAY. Parua Bay Community Centre; meeting room, 1347 Whangarei Heads Rd, Parua Bay.
  Monday 3 February, 7-9pm.
• WHANGAREI. Northland Regional Council; council chambers, 36 Water St, Whangarei.
  Monday 10 February, 7-9pm.