Suppose a business is deciding where to expand around Christchurch. It can compare rates and building consent performance in Christchurch, Selwyn and Waimakariri.
If one council becomes too slow or expensive, investment can cross the boundary without leaving the local economy. That nearby choice is one of the few checks businesses have on council performance. The Government’s Head Start programme could weaken it.
To read the article on the NZ Herald website, click here.