Kaikōura decision delayed

With the red-level storm's damage of more immediate concern than configuration of councils, Kaikōura pushed back the decision on whether to merge with Marlborough or align with neighbours to the south.

Kaikōura's council had set Wednesday (8 July) for a meeting to set its merger preference. That has been tentatively rescheduled for a week later, on 15 July.

Marlborough councillors got that update in a broader briefing on the process, plus an update on recovery from the rain-induced flooding, during a workshop on Thursday afternoon.

Mayor Nadine Taylor explained that while Council hoped to have more concrete information to review at this juncture, "we completely understand why we don't. Our hearts are very much with them, community to community."

A survey of Marlburians timed to coincide with Kaikōura's original meeting ended as scheduled on Wednesday. Council staff indicated two-thirds of the 217 respondents conveyed positive or neutral indications and one-third negative.

That said, the one-question consultation sought input on issues to consider rather than poll for opinions on whether to merge. The mayor cautioned: "We don't want to put too much stock on positive, neutral or negative because we didn't ask that question."

The key issues raised for Marlborough matched those in Kaikōura: financial implications, geographic fit and maintaining levels of service. Should Kaikōura choose Marlborough, a second survey will gauge more specific views.

Check the 15 July issue of Marlborough Weekly for further coverage.