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?
Here's Tuesday's teaser!
I’m found in socks, scarves, and mittens; and often in the paws of playful kittens. What am I?
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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Head here and hover on the Following button on the top right of the page (and it will show Unfollow) and then click it. If it is giving you the option to Follow, then you've successfully unfollowed the Riddles page.
Here's Thursday's thinker!
I am lighter than air, but a hundred people cannot lift me. What am I?
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.
Want to stop seeing riddles in your newsfeed?
Head here and hover on the Following button on the top right of the page (and it will show Unfollow) and then click it. If it is giving you the option to Follow, then you've successfully unfollowed the Riddles page.
Poll: Should drivers retake the theory test every 10 years?
Drivers get where they need to go, but sometimes it seems that we are all abiding by different road rules (for example, the varying ways drivers indicate around a roundabout).
Do you think drivers should be required to take a quick driving theory test every 10 years?
Vote in the poll and share any road rules that you've seen bent! 😱
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48% Yes
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50.1% No
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1.9% Other - I'll share below
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