Timaru Petitions For Own Region (Press, 10 April 1989)
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Summary: Timaru Petitions For Own Region (Press, 10 April 1989)
On 10 April 1989, a significant petition advocating for an independent Central South Island local government region centred on Timaru was presented to local MP Maurice McTigue. Organised by the Local Government Action Committee, the petition garnered an impressive 19,756 signatures, which is notable in New Zealand's history of petitions. The committee's chairperson, Mrs Janya Lobb, stated that the petition would be formally submitted to Parliament later in the month. The petition emerged as a response to the Local Government Commission's controversial plans to incorporate the Timaru District into the Canterbury region starting in October. Mrs Lobb expressed optimism that the sheer volume of support reflected in the petition, along with public submissions made in Christchurch the previous month, might convince the commission to reconsider its draft recommendations. The recommendations involved including the Timaru, Waimate, and Mackenzie districts within the Canterbury region's boundaries. The action committee is advocating for the establishment of a distinct Central South Island region that would extend from the Rangitata River to the Waitaki River. Mrs Lobb highlighted the petition's success by comparing its 20 per cent support to other notable petitions, such as the 28 percent for the Homosexual Law Reform petition, indicating strong public backing for their cause. In her communications, Mrs Lobb raised concerns regarding a letter sent by the Minister of Health, Ms Clark, which assured a Timaru resident that health services would not be compromised in favour of Christchurch. Mrs Lobb insisted that any assurances from the Minister would only hold value if it could be guaranteed that the Canterbury Area Health Board consisted of members who shared her dedication to maintaining local health services. The ongoing discussions around these regional governance issues reflect a significant moment in local politics, as communities push for representation that aligns with their needs and preferences.
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