Mayor: Kaipara would be better off joining Auckland | Northland News | Local News in Northland

Kaipara mayor Neil Tiller says his district would be better off joining Auckland than Whangarei.

His comments follows the Kaipara council's unanimous rejection last week of the McKinley Douglas Report.

The report, commissioned by the region's three mayors, recommended a single unitary authority for all Northland, or two based on Whangarei and Far North district boundaries, as the best options for local governance.

Mr Tiller said there was nothing to be gained  from joining with Whangarei.

"It will not provide better infrastructure, improved economy or better provisions for Kaipara's communities or the Kaipara Harbour," Mr Tiller said.

Last week councillors determined the report's options presented no benefit for Kaipara's community, either now or in the future.

Instead Kaipara would pursue the prospect of an enlarged district based around the Kaipara Harbour which will include plans to have part of north Rodney join the district.

Kaipara's resolution not to support the McKinley report has gained favour from Farmers of New Zealand.

National president Ian Walker said FONZ have actively supported

 would continue to support the current regional structure if there was a political will for the four councils to work  together for the good of Northland.