Hearing date for Hawkes Bay amalgamation proposal announced

The Local Government Commission will hear the voices behind the submissions to the draft proposal to amalgamate the councils of Hawke's Bay at the War Memorial Hall in Wairoa on Thursday, June 12.

Wairoa District Council and the Mâori Standing Committee will speak to their respective submissions, as will various other individuals and organisations.

The hearing is one of a series being carried out by LGC representatives to consider views on the proposal. This information will be used to develop a final proposal.

This could potentially result in a community-driven petition calling for a referendum, in which registered voters will have a chance to say 'YES' or 'NO' to the final proposal put forward by the LGC.

The hearing is a significant event for Wairoa, and people are encouraged to come along to see democracy in action. Proceedings will begin with a mihi whakatau at 9.30am.