Kaikōura getting vetted by Marlburians

It’s official: Kaikōura asked Marlborough to be its partner. Whether Marlburians accept the invitation to Government’s formal or decide to sit out the dance, that’s the suspense hanging over the next few weeks.

Council opened a survey on Monday (20 July) for what Mayor Nadine Taylor called “a temperature check” of local sentiments. Running through next Wednesday (29 July), it follows up an initial canvas for issues with a potential merger.

The question now: If those concerns are addressed, should Marlborough bring Kaikōura into the district? Councillors will weigh the responses at a special meeting next Thursday. The timeline for vetting the decision culminates on 7 August, two days ahead of Government’s deadline for amalgamation proposals.

Merging is not a foregone conclusion. As Councillor Cyril Dawson stressed at a workshop last Thursday afternoon, Marlborough does not have the mandate which Government’s Head Start legislation placed upon Kaikōura and other small councils.

Indeed, the mayor told councillors that “it’s now our council’s turn to have a look at risks, opportunities and trade-offs” as the Kaikōura council did before the 6-1 vote to amalgamate northward.

What will this scrutiny comprise? First and foremost, finances – checking Kaikōura’s assets, balance sheets and debts. Strategic Planner Phillip Eyles offered the broad-stroke assessment that “they’re actually in pretty good shape financially” but with the caveat that “we need to do a lot more due diligence”.

Council also is reviewing delivery of services, emergency response, natural resource management and representation – plus how the districts would fit in terms of identities, economies and catchment boundaries.

Councillor Gerald Hope added a key consideration: “minimal disruptions. Socially and financially, it needs to be seamless.”

Go to www.tinyurl.com/MergeSurvey2 by noon on 29 July to give an opinion.