Napier-Hastings Urban Area - Amalgamation

Amalgamation

Amalgamation is currently a major issue for Napier and Hastings residents, mainly due to local body elections. Both cities had previously had smaller amalgamations (Napier absorbed Taradale, Hastings absorbed Havelock North), and even a referendum on a joint Hastings and Napier in 1999. This referendum resulted in 75% 'no' vote from Napier residents, and a 64% 'yes' vote from Hastings residents. Many say the referendum was called too early and many Napier residents were still bitter about the closing of Napier Hospital in 1998 and making Hastings Hospital the only public hospital in the region. The momentum is growing though as the majority of the residents see the benefit of a stronger unity of being 'officially' considered a single entity that would be larger than Tauranga and Dunedin. The plan for the new council is to also absorb the Wairoa and Central Hawkes Bay councils to make a super regional council of 150,000 people.

Part of recognition of New Zealand's 5th largest population centre is being labelled that way. Many residents have bought forth renaming the city to reflect this to the rest of the nation instead of referring to the cities by their current separate names. Names proposed include:

• Heretaunga (the name of the plains that both cities are situated)
• Hawkes Bay City (reflecting both recognised location and 'city' status)
• Hawke (again, coinciding with the name of the region)
• The Bay City (This perhaps is more in jest, and is already a common nickname)
• Napier-Hastings (The status quo, but still does not address the issue)