Just When You Thought It Couldnt Get Worse
I’ve realized that I have probably been lulled into a false sense of security in recent years over the way local government is administered in Kapiti. I assumed we had a steady hand on the tiller in our current Mayor. However, the opposition to our recycling centre closing has opened up a whole other, bigger, can of worms. The Mayor does not have his hand on the tiller at all. The Chief Executive, a salaried, non-elected staff member with no electoral accountability, is running the show. As anyone who has done Political Science 101 knows, ”he who controls the agenda controls the process”. Nothing goes on the council agenda without the approval of the Chief Executive.
Community representation is no longer possible. A pre-prepared staff report must accompany any notice of motion put before the council. If the staff don’t like it, there is no motion on the agenda. It is all through the Long Term Plan if you care to have a look. Each activity has a staff recommendation attached to it and the action is decided on the basis of this report. What do the staff recommend? Basically they say that the action is recommended because they say so. Evidence based decision making has also gone out the door along with the democratic process.
Representation is denied. Community Boards who attempt to put a motion on the council agenda are told by the Chief Executive that it cannot go ahead because there is no pre-prepared staff report and/or the item is not relevant for the community board to discuss. Just what the process is for obtaining a pre-prepared report from the staff is unclear. There does not appear to be any framework for doing so.
One community board whose notice of motion was rejected sought redress from the Ombudsman only to have the request itself rejected. Why? Because the first thing the Ombudsman did was send the request to the Chief Executive. It’s created a barrage of mixed metaphors; the tail is wagging the dog, the fox is in charge of the henhouse and the ship is headed for the rocks. Democracy as we know it in Kapiti is dead. This is serious stuff. As one colleague, a former high ranking diplomat has commented “Its most disconcerting”
Disconcerting indeed. Question is, what can we do about it?
THE WAIKANAE BEACH INDOOR MARKET IS ON THIS SUNDAY
Venue:- Waikanae Beach Community Hall,
22 Rauparaha Street, Waikanae Beach
Date and Time:- Sunday 10 November 10am – 1pm
Started your Christmas shopping yet? Why not start with a visit to this great Community Market which has highly talented stallholders showcasing a huge variety of quality items and GIFTS from locally grown and produced award winning Olive Oil, Honey & Bees Wax to Yummy Bakery Cookies, Sewing craft (including Dolls Clothes & Kids Dress Ups), hand made Wooden craft, Jewellery, Crochet Toys, Sea glass Mosaics and Quilts along with Homewares, Up-cycled items and everything in between.
Escape the house, visit the market, check out the new stallholders, pick up a gift, then enjoy the rest of the day in Kāpiti at other events (Kapiti Arts Trial) and attractions and include maybe a visit to one of our awesome local cafes.
Meet up with friends and enjoy an outing at this great friendly Kapiti Community Event. Don't miss it....Support local!!
Poll: Is it rude to talk on the phone on a bus?
Buses can be a relaxing way to get home if you have a seat and enough space. However, it can be off-putting when someone is taking a phone call next to you.
Do you think it's inconsiderate for people to have lengthy phone calls on a bus? Vote in the poll, and add your comments below.
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64% Yes
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33.4% No
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2.5% Other - I'll share below
Unlock the Answer: Today’s Riddle is Trickier Than You Think!
What English word retains the same pronunciation, even after you take away four of its five letters?
Do you think you know the answer to our daily riddle? Don't spoil it for your neighbours! Simply 'Like' this post and we'll post the answer in the comments below at 2pm.
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