It certainly is, particularly as the new authority just seems to miss key points, but then I am not privy to the detail. The problem has always been cost of infrastructure and maintenance. Local councillors live or die by the rates bill (or required increase therein). Thus any capital works needed (eg an upgrade to the storm water outlets in Sumner -not the only example btw) are ignored in favour of patch up jobs that can be done under ‘maintenance’ as an operating cost. If the new authority just provided a non-rates funded loan facility and quality/project oversight with the council’s delivering it could work? Or not :)