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163 days ago

Poll: Should we move to four-year council terms?

Nicole Mathewson Reporter from The Press

By David Hill, Local Democracy Reporter

North Canterbury’s three mayors are backing calls for a four-year council term.

Local Government New Zealand (LGNZ) has established an electoral reform group to consider changes to increase voter participation and implement four-year terms.

It will be led by Nelson mayor Nick Smith, a former government minister.

Waimakariri mayor Dan Gordon said his council supported moving from a three to a four-year term.

‘‘It is not the biggest priority, but it would certainly make a difference.

‘‘It has been long advocated for and the Future for Local Government Review panel recommended it.’’

He said elections were costly and by holding them less often, councils would have more time to implement their work programmes.

Long-term plans would also likely be moved to four-yearly, instead of every three years, which would take the pressure of council staff, he said.

Hurunui mayor Marie Black said she also supported four-year terms.

‘‘I never really agreed with it for a long time, but now I see the value, because it is costly to have elections and I think the volume of work and outcomes over a four-year term would be greater.’’

She said councillor remuneration would need to be considered, as four years would be a major commitment for councillors juggling other employment.

‘‘I first came in as a councillor working part-time for Plunket and I was able to juggle work around meetings.

‘‘But you’ve got to be able to do that, so it places some pressures on councillors.’’

Kaikōura mayor Craig Mackle said four-year terms were needed for central Government, but he also supported local government making the change.

LGNZ president Sam Broughton said a four-year term would ‘‘double the amount of usable time’’ for councils.

He said the first year after an election was spent getting systems in place and for new councillors learning their roles, while the second year was spent working work on long-term plans.

‘‘And then the following January you start thinking about the next election.’’

Broughton said indications were the Government was considering having a referendum on four-year terms, which would likely include changing central government terms as well.

‘‘It is unusual around the world to have a three-year term.

‘‘Most countries have a four-year or even a five-year term.’’

The electoral reform group will focus on increasing voter turnout, transitioning to four-year terms, considering the ways people can vote, who should administer local elections and how they are best run.

Local Government Minister Simeon Brown said the Government was preparing a Bill on four-year terms, but a final decision would be subject to a binding referendum.

■ LDR is local body journalism co-funded by RNZ and NZ On Air.

Should we move to four-year council terms?
  • 63.2% Yes
    63.2% Complete
  • 36.8% No
    36.8% Complete
  • 0% I'm not sure/something else (share your thoughts in the comments)
    0% Complete
38 votes
More messages from your neighbours
1 day ago

Poll: Should all neighbours have to contribute to improvements?

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

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?

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Should all neighbours have to contribute to improvements?
  • 81.8% Yes
    81.8% Complete
  • 15.5% No
    15.5% Complete
  • 2.7% Other - I'll share below
    2.7% Complete
741 votes
1 hour ago

Raspberry plants (4 plants for $30)

Richard from Rangiora

This sale is for purchases of four raspberry plants (4x $10 plants for $30)

Pick up my free ‘How To Grow Raspberries’ guide with your purchase.

I also have some individual raspberries ($15 and $20 each) and some thornless blackberries ($15-$25 each)

Discounts for bulk purchases. All plants are in top-quality soil.

All raspberries have been transplanted from existing Clutha, Heritage and Lewis varieties. They produce fantastic raspberries. The thornless blackberries are Black Satin.

Pick up in Rangiora. However, for an $80 purchase, I'm happy to deliver within 30 minutes of Rangiora for an extra $10.

We need to exchange mobile numbers before pickup.

If you are concerned about how to keep berries contained or want advice on growing them I’m happy to explain and give you a 2-page ‘How To’ guide.

**PS If you are keen to start a raspberry bed but can’t afford the price, talk to me**

4 days ago

What's your favourite tomato recipe?

Mei Leng Wong Reporter from NZ Gardener & Get Growing

Kia ora neighbours. We know your tomato plants are still growing, but we're looking ahead to the harvest already! If you've got a family recipe for tomatoes, we'd love to see it and maybe publish it in our magazine to share with our readers. Send your recipe to mailbox@nzgardener.co.nz, and if we use it in the mag, you will receive a free copy of our February 2025 issue.

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