No Excuse for Secrecy

It is unfortunate that secrecy has been defended in our local authority (NS Times 12 Sept. 2006). It is highly probably that the Mayor has breached the Local Government Act in spirit if not in fact. The Local Government Act 2002 describes the purpose of local government as to "enable democratic local decision-making and action by, and on behalf of, communities". Further, section 14 (i) requires councils to "conduct its business in an open, transparent, and democratically accountable manner". The Act (section 82) requires that the community be provided with reasonable access to relevant information and should be encouraged by the local authority to present their views to the local authority.

I am confident that the mayors would not have approached the prime minister with their plans if they had not already reached a decision. That decision was made on behalf of the respective cities and their opposition to any referendum indicates that they expect their resolution to be final. Such a closed, exclusive course of action subverts local democratic processes. The mayoral decree is devoid of any information, restricts consultation and citizens are prevented from rather than encouraged to present their views to the local authority. The only way forward is to have a referendum as suggested by the editor (NS Times 12 Sept. 2006).

super-city scheme

The Mayors' words on describing their super-city scheme reflect a disdain for the public which has highly undemocratic ramifications. I am especially concerned about plans to ram this intrigue through without voter input. Further, it is reprehensible to even try and delay scheduled local body elections by a month let alone a year or two. It is disturbing that this plot has surfaced at a time when there is mounting unrest over unjustified rates rises. The Mayors admit that such a super-city will not reduce rates or control spending. Regional assets such as the Philharmonia Orchestra or lifesaving can be funded regionally through the ARC. However, North Shore ratepayers should not pay for Eden Park as well as the North Harbour Stadium. In all probability the transaction costs will increase rates and at the same time more bureaucracy will reduce local input. One can only speculate that the grasping plot is a diversionary tactic in order to preserve their positions. I don't care if it is Lord Mayor George, Bob, Dick or Barry something doesn't smell right. Let's have a referendum.