Listen, then act.
Having said that they will listen to the community and that they are not in office to rubber stamp staff recommendations, the commissioners showed that they mean what they say when they turned down the staff recommendation that would have seen hundreds of carparks removed from the Pilot Bay and Marine Parade precincts. The reason they gave for that decision was that it didn't have community support.They then went on to give recognition to a community proposal for a shared boardwalk by putting it forward for a feasibility study in the Long Term Plan.
Many will support those decisions and others will oppose them. But, putting that debate aside, the point to be noted is that the commissioners didn't merely pay lip service to the community's concerns and wishes, they listened, weighed them up then did something about acting on them. In the past, the majority of our elected councillors have not done that: they have simply pretended to listen and then danced to the tune played by the CEO and staff. The majority who tried to do their best for the community were often derided and, in some cases, abused by the mayor and some fellow councillors.
In her briefing to the commissioners Minister Mahuta instructed them to "determine a mechanism for engaging with the community." What better mechanism could there be than COMMUNITY BOARDS. Residents need to have a greater measure of power put into their hands. If that's the way you feel, tell the commissioners when the review comes out in May or June that you want community boards for Tauranga. You can also make a pre-emptive strike by contacting the commissioners right now and telling them your wishes.
Become an SPCA Foster Hero!
Kitten season has arrived, and over the next six months, over 8,000 cats and kittens will come into SPCA’s care. Please help us give these babies the best start in life and sign up to be a foster parent today! It's not just cats and kittens - we are also urgently seeking foster homes for dogs and small animals.
Fostering saves lives and helps these tiny babies grow into healthy, well-adjusted adults, ready for adoption. We cover all training and costs. All you need is time and love to spare!
Sign up today and save a life!
Crack This Riddle and Brag All Day!
I’m full of holes but strong as steel. What am I?
Do you think you know the answer to our daily riddle? Don't spoil it for your neighbours! Simply 'Like' this post and we'll post the answer in the comments below at 2pm.
Want to stop seeing riddles in your newsfeed?
Head here and hover on the Following button on the top right of the page (and it will show Unfollow) and then click it. If it is giving you the option to Follow, then you've successfully unfollowed the Riddles page.
Poll: Is it rude to talk on the phone on a bus?
Buses can be a relaxing way to get home if you have a seat and enough space. However, it can be off-putting when someone is taking a phone call next to you.
Do you think it's inconsiderate for people to have lengthy phone calls on a bus? Vote in the poll, and add your comments below.
-
64.1% Yes
-
33.3% No
-
2.6% Other - I'll share below
Loading…
