Marlborough wants Kaikōura's books before merger deadline

Kaikōura District Council has chosen Marlborough as its preferred amalgamation partner under the government's Head Start pathway. But Marlborough councillors want to see Kaikōura's balance sheet, assets and board commitments before committing. The outline proposal is due to government by 9 August. Strategic delivery manager Phillip Eyles said staff needed to do "a lot more due diligence" and would work at pace.