democracy seems not a reality in lower hutt cc - continued
so it seems local gvt and especially those with central ties such as campbell barry - they dont want people who may not agree - and these are the people that are meant to run OUR CITY with OUR MONEY
Dear Byron,
I can't believe I'm writing this – we’ve been banned from the Local Government New Zealand conference on "the future of local government" that opened this afternoon in Palmerston North. And LGNZ has even banned you!
Late yesterday, the Taxpayers’ Union was notified by LGNZ that our registration for the conference had been revoked and we were no longer welcome.
That’s 180,000 registered supporters like you, our staff, and board members – LGNZ has said that no one from or representing the Taxpayers' Union is permitted to attend.
We asked whether Chris Milne, a sitting City Councillor who is on our Board could go – LGNZ doubled down and said, "not if he's representing the Taxpayers' Union".
Byron, I've never been banned from anything!
I called Stuart Crosby, LGNZ's President, to ask what his concern was. While I'm all for humorous stunts outside an event, or holding politicians to account, the idea that we'd storm the stage, or disrupt the event is ridiculous. We wanted to listen to the Minster of Local Government and all of the other speakers about their 'vision' for local government, Three Waters, and the other agenda items.
To our astonishment, the justification for the banning was that "the Taxpayers' Union has previously criticised LGNZ". The President of LGNZ said that we are not welcome because "we don't trust what you might say" about the event.
In short, without any appreciation of the irony, LGNZ is gathering together 400 stakeholders to discuss 'the future of local government', democracy, diversity, and Three Waters – but won't allow groups who disagree with them or the Government!
The ban applies to the Taxpayers' Union, our supporters, and even our Ratepayers' Alliance off-shoots in Auckland and Tauranga. That means no ratepayer groups will be at the event.
Remember, LGNZ is 100% funded by ratepayer and taxpayer money! They are the same group who were in the media just this morning calling for more diversity in local government.
Yes, we have criticised LGNZ in the past – we've criticised them for being politically biased, and un-transparent! Talk about proving the point...
Apparently, the 'future of local democracy' won't include you!
Byron, the context of all this is that Stuart Crosby and LGNZ have taken money from the Government to promote Nanaia Mahuta's Three Waters regime. He signed the infamous Heads of Agreement / Three Waters Partnership behind the backs of his own members. So the obvious question is, did the Beehive lean on LGNZ to ensure we couldn't be there?
Democracy's future is worth fighting for
Byron, the events of the last 24 hours illustrate why we must not let local government become the vehicle of an unelected ivory tower elite. If LGNZ – tasked with promoting local democracy – is banning ratepayer voices from discussions on proposed changes to local government, what trust do you have that ratepayers will be a part of the results?
So I am emailing to ask you to speak up for democratic control and accountability.
If you agree that democracy should include those who disagree with the government and their sock puppet groups like LGNZ, please take a moment to send an email to those who made this outrageous decision.
Tell the LGNZ President, Council, and the mayors that ratepayers like you should be at the table of these discussions. Local democracy shouldn't be limited to a special club of people and organisations that the elite happen to agree with.
The team worked overnight and most of today to create an email tool to make contacting the LGNZ leadership easy. They are relying on you to deliver the message at www.BannedByLGNZ.nz...
In my eight years working for the Taxpayers' Union I've seen plenty of underhanded tactics from politicians. But this one certainly takes the cake.
On Three Waters the Government has attempted to buy council support (there's another "b" word for that...), engaged in a disinformation advertising campaign, and tried to smear those opposing the expensive and anti-democratic water reforms as 'racist'.
But LGNZ's silencing of the dissenting voice of ratepayers shows that despite what LGNZ says, they don't care for democracy at all. They only care for democracy if you're on their side!
This certainly seems to contradict the LGNZ website that says: "Our vision is for Aotearoa New Zealand to be the most active and inclusive local democracy in the world."
New Zealanders should not have to worry that if they criticise the policies and actions of the Government and affiliated organisations they will be banned from Government-sponsored events.
The future of local democracy relies on robust debate and the accountability of elected officials and public servants to ratepayers.
Thank you for your support.
Jordan Williams
Executive Director
New Zealand Taxpayers’ Union.
Poll: Is the increase in disability parking fines fair?
In October, the fine for parking in a designated mobility car park without a permit has jumped from $150 to $750—a 400% increase!
The goal is to keep these spaces open for those who truly need them. Do you think this big increase in the fine is fair? Share your thoughts below.
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89.4% Yes, it's fair
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9.9% No, it's unreasonable
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0.7% Other - I'll share below
COME AND SEE HISTORY
THE CHRIST CHURCH VISITOR CENTRE OPEN DAY…COME AND SEE HISTORY
NZ history is to be taught in all NZ schools and kura, and this Visitor Centre is the place where some of that history can be displayed.
This new building provides for a place for visitors to gather and to learn more about the church, and the local history it represents, and also to accommodate volunteer guides who can then provide tours of the church and graveyard. It will also provide space for small functions like weddings, and hospitality for visitors. School student visits will be especially encouraged. .
There are some wonderful stories associated with this tiny church, one of the oldest in New Zealand. Te Rauparaha features in some, as does Honiana Te Puni, and Te Whiti O Rongomai, the Hero of Parihaka.
The settlers were a tough breed, and had to be to survive, but they were offered food, shelter and hospitality by the Tangata Whenua, including the whanau of Chief Manihera Matangi, whose father signed te Tiriti O Waitangi. He was a staunch Christian and true friend of the early settlers who, with a number of his descendants, is buried in the churchyard. His family still lives in the Hutt Valley
The Christ Church Taita has set up a trust, The Christ Church Taita Cottage Museum Trust, to provide a Visitor Centre for this heritage taonga, built in 1854 by the first organised group of European settlers to come to NZ, who landed on Pito-One Beach in January 1840
The full cost to establish the completed Visitor Centre is estimated to be $420,000.
So far $350,000 has been raised and spent and the building is up and is now partially complete.
COME AND SEE AND FIND OUT MORE ON SUNDAY NOVEMBER 3RD FROM NOON-4.30 PM
73 EASTERN HUTT ROAD TAITA LOWER HUTT…FOLLOW THE MOTORWAY SIGNS
Christmas period Plumbing.
Good morning fellow Neighbours, I hope you are all enjoying a beautiful Saturday. As Christmas is fast approaching I thought I would send a friendly reminder that Findlays Plumbing Solutions will be closed from the 27th of December - 3rd of January but open for business all other days 24/7. With no additional call out fee over the break, besides Christmas Day and Sundays.
If you have a plumbing issue or want a free quote for anything big or small, feel free to get in touch.
📧contact@findlaysplumbing.co.nz
📞 0273788706