Phil Mauger on central government relations, amalgamation, and climate adaption plans

Christchurch Mayor Phil Mauger has pushed back on a Councillor's suggestion the city's relationship with central government is failing. Heathcote Councillor Nathaniel Herz Jardine says the council is still waiting for a reply after writing to South Island Minister James Meager in February. According to Herz Jardine, the lack of communication is creating uncertainty around infrastructure planning and future collaboration with the Government. However, Mauger says those concerns are overstated. Speaking to Canterbury Mornings, he described the comments as "bollocks" and said he speaks with Meager "from time-to-time". "We're doing okay and I don't want Christchurch to be seen as greedy buggers." Finance Minister Nicola Willis claimed last month the Christchurch City Council did not ask for anything in this year's Budget and that was why it missed out on funding. Mauger also discussed the council's proposal for an additional glass recycling bin, local government amalgamation, and the Government's plans to shift responsibility for climate adaptation planning to councils. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.