Ian McLean Spokesperson for the Green Party

Minister Nick Smith may be gone, but his dream of a streamlined local government (LG) has not.

For 'streamlined” here, read 're-focussing on core services”. The analysis justifying this change is typically shallow and anecdotal. OMG: Hamilton used its infrastructure to run a failed business (councils run many successful businesses). OMG: look at the terrible debt loading in Kaipara (caused by a sewage project – a core service).

There are four well-beings under the LG umbrella: economic, social, cultural, and environmental. The environment is always a soft target, and will be the big loser.

To pick up the pieces, we are lucky enough to have the Tauranga Environment Centre. This under-funded (about 2 EFT staffers) and over-governed (6 Trustees) organisation is just completing the wonderfully successful Sustainable Back Yards month. Check out their other activities, and support them. We are going to need them even more in the future.

Go to: http://www.envirohub.org.nz/site/