Dear Department of Internal Affairs,

I live in the Taihape Ward, which is part of the Rangitikei District under Mayor Andy Watson.

I understand that at the beginning of the year 1989 there were 850 local bodies within NZ. Later in the year that number was cut to just 86. Taihape was one of the casualties affected by this legislation.

I officially request the following information:

1. How many mayors and in which towns did they lead within the current geographic boundaries of the 'Rangitikei District' prior to the 1989 reforms.

2. What was the principle reason or reasons that lead the NZ Govt to carry out these reforms?

3. What data does our govt hold and/or what research either officially commissioned or ad hoc, or whatever - regarding the effectiveness of the 1989 reforms and what positive and negative effects it has had on me as an NZ tax and rate payer? I request that you release to me all this information.

Thanks for your time,

Kind Regards,

Oliver.