Refuting the protestations of Hawkes Bay amalgamites, a seminar of researchers has declared that the amalgamation proposal for that region is very similar to the Auckland model.
The experts say the model “was designed specifically for the unique problems facing Auckland. It may or may not be suitable for other regions.”
We can’t ignore the fact that the researchers concluded that on balance amalgamation had been good for Auckland, although the press release gives no facts to back that up. It’s hard to see how an increase in costs, and an increase in rates is an improvement. They certainly don’t compare the grand promises for the amalgamation with the dull results. But that’s the ivory tower of well paid researchers for you…
