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?
Emma’s wedding dress reveal tells a different love story
A Valentine’s-inspired wedding dress show at Ryman Healthcare’s Logan Campbell Village is providing the perfect opportunity for residents to share memories of their romantic day.
But for Emma Muller, it has also turned into an opportunity to celebrate her late daughter Nicola, who died 19 years ago at the age of 37.
Poll: Should the government levy industries that contribute to financial hardship?
As reported in the Post, there’s a $30 million funding gap in financial mentoring. This has led to services closing and mentors stepping in unpaid just to keep helping people in need 🪙💰🪙
One proposed solution? Small levies on industries that profit from financial hardship — like banks, casinos, and similar companies.
So we want to hear what you think:
Should the government ask these industries to contribute?
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59.3% Yes, supporting people is important!
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26.3% No, individuals should take responsibility
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14.3% ... It is complicated
Brain Teaser of the Day 🧠✨ Can You Solve It? 🤔💬
Make a hearty dish. Take just half a minute. Add four parts of kestrel. Then just add one. What have you made?
(Trev from Silverdale kindly provided this head-scratcher ... thanks, Trev!)
Do you think you know the answer? Simply 'Like' this post and we'll post the answer in the comments below at 2pm on the day!
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