Kaikōura merger keeps momentum

Bolstered by favourable numbers on a community survey, Marlborough councillors authorised staff to complete a proposal for amalgamating with Kaikōura.

The unanimous voted capped an hour-long extraordinary meeting on Thursday morning. Council staff will complete a draft by Monday which councillors will review ahead of the regular meeting next Thursday (6 August) when they will decide on the merger.

Government set 9 August as the deadline for councils to submit proposals under the Head Start legislation for streamlining local governance.

A nine-day survey to gauge Marlburians' support for merging with Kaikōura – which ran through midday on Wednesday – found 66 percent in favour and 25 percent opposed (with the remainder unsure). Of the 268 respondents, 113 left comments, many of which mirrored answers from Council's initial survey to identify issues to address.

Mayor Nadine Taylor acknowledged the survey offered just a "pulse check" or "temperature check" of residents preference; should councillors decide next week to submit a proposal with Kaikōura, Council will conduct "a full consultation" before the March deadline for finalised proposals.

Check the 5 August issue of Marlborough Weekly for further coverage.