Post by Kiwi Frontline on Jul 22, 2019 6:20:50 GMT 12
Otago Daily Times 22/7/19
ORC CANDIDATE
I NOTE that Dunedin city councillor Kate Wilson plans to seek election to the Otago Regional Council.
Given her declared intentions, I’d like to ask her whether (if elected) she will support the current council’s decision to appoint failed candidates to committee membership (with full voting rights) based solely and selectively on that candidate’s race.
MAURICE PRENDERGAST, Mosgiel
[KATE WILSON replies:
‘‘I fully respect the need to give meaning to the Treaty of Waitangi, to work with manawhenua as a partner and to ensure they have a voice in consultation and decision making. It is not only morally right — it is the legal thing to do.
‘‘Being a member of the Maori Participation Working Party will be one of the most constructive committees I have been on in council.
‘‘I certainly hope that the Otago Regional Council will not only continue to ensure representation from Kai Tahu, but look at other ways to involve them to ensure all our (as residents of Otago) commitments under the Treaty are met.
‘‘Appointments are regularly made to supplement voting in community groups and other electoral bodies to ensure best governance.’’]
Nelson Mail 22/7/19
DEMOCRACY UNDER THREAT
So far there are four candidates for mayor in Nelson. Is there one of them willing to tell it like it is?
The system of local government has been corrupted, with councillors muzzled when they should be speaking out, and important information withheld by staff not only from the public, but from councillors and the media.
New Zealand democracy is under threat, with access to information now restricted to the unelected staff of councils. Powerful lobby groups now hold inordinate power through their connections with council staff. The system needs exposure. But which of our mayoral and council candidates has the courage to stand up for democracy?
DAN MCGUIRE, Nelson,
sites.google.com/site/kiwifrontline/letters-submitted-to-newspapers
ORC CANDIDATE
I NOTE that Dunedin city councillor Kate Wilson plans to seek election to the Otago Regional Council.
Given her declared intentions, I’d like to ask her whether (if elected) she will support the current council’s decision to appoint failed candidates to committee membership (with full voting rights) based solely and selectively on that candidate’s race.
MAURICE PRENDERGAST, Mosgiel
[KATE WILSON replies:
‘‘I fully respect the need to give meaning to the Treaty of Waitangi, to work with manawhenua as a partner and to ensure they have a voice in consultation and decision making. It is not only morally right — it is the legal thing to do.
‘‘Being a member of the Maori Participation Working Party will be one of the most constructive committees I have been on in council.
‘‘I certainly hope that the Otago Regional Council will not only continue to ensure representation from Kai Tahu, but look at other ways to involve them to ensure all our (as residents of Otago) commitments under the Treaty are met.
‘‘Appointments are regularly made to supplement voting in community groups and other electoral bodies to ensure best governance.’’]
Nelson Mail 22/7/19
DEMOCRACY UNDER THREAT
So far there are four candidates for mayor in Nelson. Is there one of them willing to tell it like it is?
The system of local government has been corrupted, with councillors muzzled when they should be speaking out, and important information withheld by staff not only from the public, but from councillors and the media.
New Zealand democracy is under threat, with access to information now restricted to the unelected staff of councils. Powerful lobby groups now hold inordinate power through their connections with council staff. The system needs exposure. But which of our mayoral and council candidates has the courage to stand up for democracy?
DAN MCGUIRE, Nelson,
sites.google.com/site/kiwifrontline/letters-submitted-to-newspapers