There seems to be a belief that the Tauranga City Council should merge with Western Bay of Plenty Council and Mr Crosby, the city's Mayor, seems to think that 'bigger is even better' and his preference seems to be a merger of up to 7 Councils, making one super Council, which one assumes that he then has a desire to be the mayor of.
Will we never learn that bigger is not necessarily better and that in reality amalgamation should only be considered if there are benefits to all the parties involved.
What benefit are Auckland City ratepayers currently getting from being part of a Super City? Looking even further back what were the real benefits of the Mount and Tauranga being forced to merge, in 1989, other than Mount rates having to increase by over 30% just to catch up with Tauranga rates?
With the current Mayor, along with the deputy Mayor both seemingly enthusiastic, on future amalgamation, rest assured that unless the people stand strong that it will happen whether we like it or not. Fortunately we have the ability to vote these people out every 3 years so look forward to the Local Body elections next year.
Should the legislation permitting amalgamations be passed at least the Government has clearly stated that whilst there will be an ability to merge that it will still be up to local communities to decide whether or not they want to amalgamate.
Future amalgamations should only proceed if it is a win win for all the parties involved and seldom does this seem to be the case.

Mike Baker, Bethlehem