Post by Kiwi Frontline on Oct 2, 2021 3:33:20 GMT 12
DEMOCRACY ACTION NEWSLETTER – October 21
When the Prime Minister first took office in 2017, she promised that “This government will foster a more open and democratic society. It will strengthen transparency around official information.” However, it is obvious her Minister of Local Government did not receive the memo. This is being shown by the less than transparent way the proposed Three Waters service delivery programme is being handled by the Government. Councillors across the country are complaining of false and misleading information, mixed messaging, information gaps, and far too many unanswered questions. Although not obliged to make the final decision whether to opt-out of the scheme until later in the year, Councils had until today, 1st October, to get back to the Government on the proposed reforms. After receiving this feedback, the Minister will be presenting advice to Cabinet about the next steps.
The Three Waters programme is clearly very unpopular, both with the public and most councils. Comments show overwhelming opposition based on several serious concerns. Despite this, Minister Mahuta has not ruled out forcing councils into the reforms. Unfortunately for us, she has form in this area, having earlier this year trampled on our democratic rights by ramming a law change through Parliament under urgency to abolish the right of ratepayers to veto decisions by councils to establish Māori wards.
You can read more about this issue in the article below – ‘BACKLASH GROWS AGAINST 3-WATERS SERVICE DELIVERY PROGRAMME’ - which includes suggestions of ways you can join the fight to defeat this patently undemocratic proposal.
In a move showing further disregard for local democracy, this week the Government introduced legislation that extends COVID-19 powers for an additional 12 months from May 2022 to May 2023 and which includes a clause giving the Government the power to delay the 2022 local body elections all the way into 2023. Speculation is rife as to why the Government is seeking the opportunity to delay next year’s elections, given that postal voting is available in many areas. A clue could be the upcoming local government reforms.
The COVID-19 legislation includes another very contentious amendment, which is arguably even more concerning. This legislation is set to legitimise the self-declared iwi “border controls”. Māori & Pasifika wardens, a nominated representative of an iwi organisation, or community patrollers will have the legal authority to run roadblocks/checkpoints. This will need to be done under the supervision of a constable, however, no clarification of what is meant by supervision is provided in the legislation.......
Read the full informative Newsletter here www.democracyaction.org.nz/october_2021 PLUS two other articles of interest
When the Prime Minister first took office in 2017, she promised that “This government will foster a more open and democratic society. It will strengthen transparency around official information.” However, it is obvious her Minister of Local Government did not receive the memo. This is being shown by the less than transparent way the proposed Three Waters service delivery programme is being handled by the Government. Councillors across the country are complaining of false and misleading information, mixed messaging, information gaps, and far too many unanswered questions. Although not obliged to make the final decision whether to opt-out of the scheme until later in the year, Councils had until today, 1st October, to get back to the Government on the proposed reforms. After receiving this feedback, the Minister will be presenting advice to Cabinet about the next steps.
The Three Waters programme is clearly very unpopular, both with the public and most councils. Comments show overwhelming opposition based on several serious concerns. Despite this, Minister Mahuta has not ruled out forcing councils into the reforms. Unfortunately for us, she has form in this area, having earlier this year trampled on our democratic rights by ramming a law change through Parliament under urgency to abolish the right of ratepayers to veto decisions by councils to establish Māori wards.
You can read more about this issue in the article below – ‘BACKLASH GROWS AGAINST 3-WATERS SERVICE DELIVERY PROGRAMME’ - which includes suggestions of ways you can join the fight to defeat this patently undemocratic proposal.
In a move showing further disregard for local democracy, this week the Government introduced legislation that extends COVID-19 powers for an additional 12 months from May 2022 to May 2023 and which includes a clause giving the Government the power to delay the 2022 local body elections all the way into 2023. Speculation is rife as to why the Government is seeking the opportunity to delay next year’s elections, given that postal voting is available in many areas. A clue could be the upcoming local government reforms.
The COVID-19 legislation includes another very contentious amendment, which is arguably even more concerning. This legislation is set to legitimise the self-declared iwi “border controls”. Māori & Pasifika wardens, a nominated representative of an iwi organisation, or community patrollers will have the legal authority to run roadblocks/checkpoints. This will need to be done under the supervision of a constable, however, no clarification of what is meant by supervision is provided in the legislation.......
Read the full informative Newsletter here www.democracyaction.org.nz/october_2021 PLUS two other articles of interest