COMMUNITY BOARDS
Councils are required by statute to hold a representation review once every 6 years to decide ward boundaries, the distribution of councillors and if community boards should be established.Tauranga holds its review this year. There are 110 community boards in NZ. Tauranga has always dodged having to have one.
Boards are best described as grass roots local government.The job of the board members, who are elected every 3 years, is to represent and advocate for local needs and wishes. And, the council is bound by statute to pay attention!
You do not have to join boards; you are a part of them simply by being a member of the community.
Board members are not councillors and do not have a seat at the council table. However, they often take part in council deliberations that affect their community. They can actually play a meaningful part in the decision making process.
Boards are funded by the council and are provided with assistance from council staff where it is needed. The members also have access to council resources and information in a way that is not available to other community groups.
Tauranga residents are no longer represented by local councillors, they have no-one to speak on their behalf. And, this situation could possibly continue until 2025. We NEED community boards!
When the review proposal comes out in May or June, have your say:
TELL THE COUNCIL THAT TAURANGA RESIDENTS WANT COMMUNITY BOARDS.
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?
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77.1% Yes
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22% No
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0.9% 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.
Think You’ve Got the Answer? Today’s Riddle Says ‘Prove It’!
If eleven plus two equals one, what does nine plus five equal?
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