NO TO AMALGAMATION

Napier, Central Hawke's Bay and Wairoa mayors are today attending a meeting in Taupo as they grapple with the idea of amalgamation.

The meeting has been organised by Hutt City Mayor Ray Wallace, as concerns heighten across the country over a move towards unified councils.

Approximately 10 other mayors from around the country are expected to attend with the most controversial being Opotiki Mayor John Forbes.

Mr Forbes is the vice presdient of Local Government New Zealand the president of which is Hastings Mayor Lawrence Yule.

Mr Yule is a strong advocate of amalgamation while Mr Forbes has spoken out publicly against it.

This meeting comes three days after submissions closed over the Local Government Commission's proposal to merge all four Hawkes Bay council's into one unified body.

Napier's Mayor Bill Dalton has said there has been a lack of consultation during the proces s and a certain arrogance on behalf of the Commission.

Central Hawkes Bay Mayor Peter Butler is dissappointed over the amount of time it has taken to address the proposal when there are other issues that need attention.

Today's meeting is seen as an opportunity to hear from other Councils concerning their dealings with the Commission and to discuss the idea of amalgamation and what it will mean for their region.