Post by Kiwi Frontline on Aug 7, 2021 10:04:02 GMT 12
Reynold Macpherson: ROTORUA'S REPRESENTATION REVIEW BIASED TOWARDS CO-GOVERNANCE
Introduction
New Zealand’s central government ended local referenda on 1 March 2021[1] that had retarded the introduction of Māori wards. Rotorua Lakes Council (Council) decided on 21 May 2021 to introduce a Māori ward to elect a member or members to Council.
Council also decided to establish a Representation Review. It specifically authorised consultations with mana whenua and wider stakeholders with a view to reinforcing co-governance:
4. That Council agree to carry out a wider review of Council’s governance framework, including the purpose, membership and powers of Council’s committees and community boards, and a discussion with Te Arawa and the broader community about the possibilities of strengthening co-governance. [2]
Council’s invitation to residents to participate in the Representation Review[3] made no mention of co-governance. This could mean that the review will exclude critical consideration of co-governance structures and the services of Te Tatau o Te Arawa (Te Tatau, a committee of 14 established and funded by Council to represent the interests of Te Arawa uri).
In my view it is now vital that residents and ratepayers are fully informed on the initial options being considered, especially because the updated representation arrangements will stay in effect for six years (two election cycles) or until the next review.
The timetable is brisk. Council will adopt a draft ‘initial proposal’ on 31 August. Public consultations and formal submissions will be accepted between 8 September and 8 October. Public hearings will be heard from 11 November. Council will adopt a revised proposal on 16 November. Objections/ appeals may be lodged between 19 November and 19 December. The Local Government Commission will make final determinations on 10 April 2022.
Eight options have been considered to date regarding representation on Council that are now critically reviewed.....
Read the eight options here > breakingviewsnz.blogspot.com/2021/08/reynold-macpherson-rotoruas.html
Introduction
New Zealand’s central government ended local referenda on 1 March 2021[1] that had retarded the introduction of Māori wards. Rotorua Lakes Council (Council) decided on 21 May 2021 to introduce a Māori ward to elect a member or members to Council.
Council also decided to establish a Representation Review. It specifically authorised consultations with mana whenua and wider stakeholders with a view to reinforcing co-governance:
4. That Council agree to carry out a wider review of Council’s governance framework, including the purpose, membership and powers of Council’s committees and community boards, and a discussion with Te Arawa and the broader community about the possibilities of strengthening co-governance. [2]
Council’s invitation to residents to participate in the Representation Review[3] made no mention of co-governance. This could mean that the review will exclude critical consideration of co-governance structures and the services of Te Tatau o Te Arawa (Te Tatau, a committee of 14 established and funded by Council to represent the interests of Te Arawa uri).
In my view it is now vital that residents and ratepayers are fully informed on the initial options being considered, especially because the updated representation arrangements will stay in effect for six years (two election cycles) or until the next review.
The timetable is brisk. Council will adopt a draft ‘initial proposal’ on 31 August. Public consultations and formal submissions will be accepted between 8 September and 8 October. Public hearings will be heard from 11 November. Council will adopt a revised proposal on 16 November. Objections/ appeals may be lodged between 19 November and 19 December. The Local Government Commission will make final determinations on 10 April 2022.
Eight options have been considered to date regarding representation on Council that are now critically reviewed.....
Read the eight options here > breakingviewsnz.blogspot.com/2021/08/reynold-macpherson-rotoruas.html