One of the projects that I am completing at the moment is a history of the relationship between Hastings and Napier, with a working title of Sibling Rivalry: Napier and Hastings. I started this project in 2008, so I am not being entirely opportunistic considering the present amalgamation debate.

As part of the process of collecting material for this book, I am starting to build up a picture of how both cities related to each other, and the sources of disagreements. A lot of the material – not surprisingly, deals with how Napier and Hastings councils related to each other. A theme that I am trying to develop is how this relationship may have hindered (or assisted) Hawke’s Bay’s growth. While many of the incidents are amusing for their quaintness and pettiness – many are disturbing.

I note over the weekend a full page advert in Hawke’s Bay Today with some prominent Hawke’s Bay residents calling for a comprehensive study into amalgamation. A groundswell of people putting pressure on the councils who are unwillingly to contribute financially towards this study – and who eventually participate, will be a successful outcome of this campaign.

While amalgamation may bring some benefits, I get concerned where I hear comments from some individuals who believe that amalgamation will be the “silver bullet” to all their business, social problems etc. There are of course many variables (different factors) that contribute to macro and micro economic and social environments, with local government being just one.

I will discuss this subject further in later blogs.

I am holding a talk on the relationship between Hastings and Napier from 1879-1935 at the Havelock North Community Centre at 7.30pm, Thursday, 3 November 2011. Tickets $10 from Poppies Bookstore, Havelock North.

Regards,

Michael