Regional Council Notes

This month sees the start of the process for the local government elections with nominations opening on 19 July.  It’s quite a long procedure as voting papers are not delivered until 20 September with voting closing on 12 October.  Despite the length of time people have to consider their options and cast their vote, interest generally in local body elections has steadily declined.

This is a pity really as most people have contact with their local council on a daily basis, simply through the basic services they provide like the roads, footpaths, rubbish collection or water supply.  If you add in things like parks, amenities, consenting, flood management and public transport then you realise just how much local government is involved in our daily existence. For that reason alone people should make the effort to vote.

The trouble is that most people have busy lives, taking for granted the mundane local services until they go wrong, which sometimes they do.  Now coming into election time is when we will be reminded of all that went wrong and those vying for the councillor roles will no doubt voice their opinions on how things should be run.

This is the good thing about elections as it refreshes ideas and helps us keep open minds.  The downside is that some prospective candidates have no idea of the rules and regulations that control local government and its decision making.  Local government is a creature of statute which must do as it is told and central government takes a dim view of those councils who don’t.  Councils are the only organisation in the country, besides IRD, that can take money off people who don’t want to give it to them.  There is therefore tight regulation about how they must account for that money.

The other thing prospective candidates should be aware of is, if they do make it to the council table, they are but one vote.  This makes it hard to change the world if you don’t have support of most of your other colleagues.  Being disruptive and giving people their pedigree may get you publicity but it rarely endears others to your way of thinking. Generally you get a much better reaction by acting with respect and offering solutions.

Local government plays a key role in our general well-being.  Please take the time to vote when the time comes. 

Adrienne Staples