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Taupō Rejects Forced Merger Push | Auckland News
Taupō’s mayor is fiercely resisting a forced council merger that could bankrupt the district, warning that joining the Western Waikato Unitary Authority would spike its debt from $900 to nearly $9,000 per rating unit. After initially opting out, Taupō now faces pressure as South Waikato joins the merger plan — risking government intervention. The council is preparing a formal rebuttal, pushing instead for talks with Ruapehu, Waitomo, and Ōtorohanga, while keeping options open with Rotorua Lakes if needed — all while insisting they respect existing regional proposals. Listen in comfort:Get a…
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