We see people advocating the amalgamation of Tauranga and Western Bay district councils but those who proposed such a idea have not though out the consequences of their actions.

We know from the forced amalgamation in 1989 it destroyed the autonomy of towns and communities and resulted in increased costs to ratepayers and no benefits derived whatsoever.

Borough Council staff and maintenance employees were laid off and extra staff were employed on exorbitant salaries to contract out work for infrastructure and other work that is necessary.

Prior to 1989 local money was spent by local councils on local contractors and staff who lived in the towns. These people of the towns and rural areas knew what was best for them and decisions were based on that by the local elected representatives.

If we look across the Tasman to our friends in Queensland where the people have said enough is enough the following towns have voted on demalgamation and back to the smaller Shires such as our old Borough Councils.

For instance Noosa voted 81.4 %, Douglas 57.6 %, Livingstone 56.6%, Marreeba 57.6%.

M Lally, Tauranga