John Cronin BOP Regional Council Chairman www.envbop.govt.nz

I was following closely newspaper reports of the debt crisis in the USA with President Barack Obama wanting to raise additional debt, confirming that the United States is continuing to live well beyond its means – enough assets, but not enough cash.

Does that not have a familiar ring to it? Many of our elderly living on a pension may well feel that.

Here in New Zealand, we feel cushioned by the remoteness of the United States and its impact on us here in New Zealand.

But are we really that different?

We in New Zealand are privileged; our currency is high; our debt under control at central government level; but at a territorial level local councils all over the country are struggling to meet the demands for service and amenities – all to be paid by you, the ratepayer.

Our councils are either debt laden, but asset rich or insufficient assets, little debt, but little opportunity to raise service levels desperately needed by our constituents.

Good governance before us

Perhaps it is time that local government and governance was reviewed so the people of New Zealand are able to live within the comfort of their own homes and within their means.

Local government minister Rodney Hide is retiring at this coming election and it is likely that the incoming government will have a view on improving governance at a local level.

But for the Bay of Plenty, we need to work together to provide the leadership that is necessary to take all the cities of the Bay of Plenty forward – but living within our means, the means of our people and not wholly reliant on rates.

We need to do this before central government dictates. Perhaps it is time to open the conversation on this, perhaps over the whole of the country there are too many councils?

If you have a view on the current structure or a new structure, I would be pleased to receive your comments, email johncronin@xtra.co.nz