Do we need a fresh approach to local government?
Terry Archer won the by-election in the NRC urban constituency with 1,671 out of 6,074 votes, with a 20.8% voter turnout. That means he was elected by 5.73% of eligible voters.
His predecessor John Bain resigned over his disagreement with a majority council vote to establish Māori constituencies, triggering the $80,000 by-election. He then - together with others - went to organise a petition to force a poll, which will most likely not go ahead if previously announced local government legislation is passed in Parliament.
A few years back councillors in our neighbouring district Kaipara were overwhelmed by the complexity of a wastewater scheme, that they were in no position to understand well enough to cast an informed vote on. Recently Invercargill City Council saw its long-standing mayor's competency being questioned and its deputy mayor resign, triggering another by-election. Tauranga's mayor resigned over irreconcilable differences around the council table, with a bunch of councillors being accused of holding the city back. Commissioners have now been installed, just like in Kaipara a few years back.
By and large many councillors lack the expertise to make tough decisions on an ever-increasing list of complex issues, and lack the time and ability to upskill themselves to be able to cope with this workload. Funding of major infrastructure deficits and the big unknowns ahead, particularly the looming threat of cost imposed by climate change adaptation, is uncertain. And we ratepayers expect and demand more than ever that rates should go down, while the property owners among us make $50 or more per day in tax-free capital gain by doing nothing.
Does anybody else think that we might need a fresh approach to local government, where informed decisions are made after listening to the experts, considering all the facts, and debating the pros and cons in a civilised and productive manner? Maybe by a Citizens' Assembly?
Poll: Do you think banning gang patches is reasonable?
With the government cracking down on gangs, it is now illegal for gang members to display their insignia in public places whether through clothing or their property.
This means arrests can be made if these patches are worn in places like restaurants, shops, on public transport or ferries, and on airplanes. Arrests were made recently at a funeral.
Do you think this ban is reasonable?
-
77.1% Yes
-
21.3% No
-
1.5% Other - I'll share below
What's your favourite recipe for courgettes?
Kia ora neighbours. If you've got a family recipe for courgettes, we'd love to see it and maybe publish it in our magazine. Send your recipe to mailbox@nzgardener.co.nz, and if we use it in the mag, you will receive a free copy of our January 2025 issue.
Poll: Should all neighbours have to contribute to improvements?
An Auckland court has ruled a woman doesn’t have to contribute towards the cost of fixing a driveway she shares with 10 neighbours.
When thinking about fences, driveways or tree felling, for example, do you think all neighbours should have to pay if the improvements directly benefit them?
-
82.1% Yes
-
15.1% No
-
2.7% Other - I'll share below
Loading…
