Some southern mayors are claiming victory after reforms said to threaten the fabric of local government were placed on the back-burner.
But the move has also prompted a warning from Clutha Mayor Bryan Cadogan that the fight is not over, as Wellington will probably "keep the foot on the throat" of the local government sector.
His comments came after Local Government Minister Peseta Sam Lotu-Iiga announced on Friday a delay to the Better Local Services reforms which had caused an uproar across the local government sector.
The proposals, introduced to Parliament as the Local Government Act 2002 Amendment Bill (No2), would give the Local Government Commission a suite of new powers.
That would include the ability to impose council-controlled organisations (CCOs) on councils, even against the will of their communities, and transfer public assets into the ownership of the new entities.
On Friday, after United Future MP Peter Dunne withdrew his support for the Bill, Mr Lotu-Iiga announced a delay.
A report from the select committee hearing submissions on the Bill had been due by October 28, but would now not be completed until March 31.
That would allow extra time for "more rigorous analysis of submissions and more constructive dialogue with the local government sector", he said.
"I acknowledge some of the concerns raised by local government. Solutions need to be found that promote local democracy, while ensuring better quality services and better value for ratepayers," Mr Lotu-Iiga said.
The announcement was welcomed by Dunedin Mayor Dave Cull, who told the Otago Daily Times the Government appeared to be listening.
It was not yet known if the most contentious of the CCO proposals would be dropped, but it appeared Wellington had blinked first rather than battle the local government sector heading into election year, Mr Cull said.
Mr Cadogan said he hoped the changes would be scrapped completely, but he remained wary of a "mixed message" from Wellington.
"They haven’t backed off but they were delaying the process ... I think the general intent will be to keep the foot on the throat.
"It’s just unconscionable that we would ever go ahead with such a thing in a democratic country."
Invercargill Mayor Tim Shadbolt said the delay was "a great victory" that meant dropping the worst of the CCO proposals was now "definitely on the cards".
"I think time will benefit us more than it benefits them.
"The nearer it comes to national elections, the more likely it will be the case," he said.
Otago Regional Council chairman Stephen Woodhead was not sure if victory could yet be declared, but the Government had listened after being encouraged to "take a breath to ensure they get it right".
The Bill had been "very poorly drafted", and time was needed to get it right, he believed.
"It’s not for us to say whether they are going to drop some of those aspects, but I would certainly hope so.
"It’s not what we would say is appropriate legislation underpinning a democratic society."
Waitaki Mayor Gary Kircher said the delay was "just about making sure they get it right", while Central Otago Mayor Tony Lepper said it meant the Government would take the time needed to think the changes through properly.
That was "definitely" a victory for councils, Mr Lepper believed.
"I think that’s important. They need to go slower."
Queenstown Mayor Vanessa van Uden could not be contacted yesterday.
The announcement came just weeks after ODT Insight highlighted the proposed reforms, and the concerns of the local government sector, in a two-part series.
