The high and mighty supporting amalgamation got slammed as hypocrites yesterday by Hastings district Councillor Simon Nixon.
Nixon rightly pointed out that the elitists saying amalgamation provides more ‘voice’ with central government, were actually already in positions to talk to central government, but had not.
The roll-call of pro-amalgamation people who had not used their position to help Hawkes Bay was stunning (see below).
It was like that in the Wellington region – all the supporters of amalgamation for a “greater voice” in central government were largely already holding permanent positions on the cocktail circuit.
Why were these people not already able to represent Wellington’s interests?
It is more likely that the reason these people seek amalgamation is to serve own ambitions of power and elitist glory.
Here’s the Hawkes Bay list:
- the Mayor of Hastings Lawrence Yule, and Deputy Mayor Cynthia Bowers had spent 15 years in charge of the place
- Yule has been president of Local Govt NZ for eight year, which means he hangs out in Wellington and Parliament regularly.
- MPs Craig Foss and Chris Tremain are two enthusiastic amalgamation supporters.
- Former Tukituki MP Rick Barker, was also in cabinet in the Clark/Cullen Labour Government.
- Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance Michael Cullen also lived in Hawkes Bay.
- Former regional councillor Ewan McGregor, the husband of Hastings Deputy Mayor Cynthia Bowers, and John Harrison, a very successful businessman, are supporters of amalgamation.
