Sharon Brettkelly: Why are we suspicious of centralisation?

Merging our local services into one big national hub is being sold as a logical move and a cost-saver. When we centralise, what do we gain - and what do we lose?

New Zealand is in the midst of major structural change when it comes to the bodies that rule our lives.

Polytechnics, water, the health system, the public service, and the ongoing push to amalgamate local councils.