There are only two days left to cast your vote in the local body election – we have until noon on Saturday, 11 October. It is too late to send your voting papers by post, so drop them off at the designated locations, which can be found listed on your council's website.
Voting is more important than ever—particularly in districts facing a referendum on Māori wards. Shamefully, some councils have abandoned any pretence of neutrality and used ratepayer resources to push a pro-Māori ward agenda. Even the Electoral Commission, legally bound to remain impartial, was linked to a promotional website until complaints forced its removal.
For the case against Māori wards and a list of the councils holding a referendum, see: Māori wards set to be a contentious election issue
The council makes decisions that affect many aspects of our daily lives, so make sure to vote and encourage others to do so as well.
We’ve been let down again! The Hauraki Gulf Marine Protection Bill—with its race-based exemptions intact —has just passed its third reading, and will come into effect later this year.
Instead of following best-practice principles to protect and restore the Hauraki Gulf, while banning everyone else from fishing in the 12 so-called 'High Protection Areas', the legislation permits some commercial fishing in certain places, as well as allowing Māori to engage in customary fishing practices. To make matters worse, the government has decided that customary fishing will not be subject to any biodiversity objectives! You can read more about this below at: Compromising the Gulf: Exclusive rights trump protection
FURTHER UPDATES:
The draft standardised code of conduct
Thank you to everyone who heeded our call to make a submission on the Local Government Commission’s proposed Code of Conduct for elected local government members - see ‘Urgent action needed: Submissions on new Local Government Code of Conduct close 26 September’). A decision will be made later this year.
For an interesting commentary on this issue, read ‘Have you heard of these 3 people?’ - by political blogger ‘Pee Jay’.
Also concerning is a provision in the Local Government (System Improvements) Amendment Bill, which would give the Secretary for Local Government—an unelected public official—the power to issue a standardised code of conduct binding on all councils. Currently, councils are required to have a code of conduct; however, each council develops its own, ensuring a more democratic and locally accountable process.
We urge you to contact the Minister for Local Government, Simon Watts (National MP), and tell him what you think about both the proposed code of conduct and the Secretary’s proposed powers. Email: [email protected]
The Waitākere Ranges Heritage Area Deed of Acknowledgement
The Deed of Acknowledgement between Te Kawerau ā Maki, Auckland Council and the Crown was signed on Thursday, 2 October.
In short, the document primarily consists of a historical and mythological account of Te Kawerau ā Maki’s connection to the landscape. The closing sections outline opportunities for the iwi to contribute to the management of public land within the heritage area. However, implementation is unclear, as the clauses are aspirational, seeming to leave practical details to be determined in future agreements. It is thin on detail, with no specified timelines, budgets, or legal requirements.
The signed Deed is available for viewing HERE.
This month’s recommended reading
Besides our usual selection of thought-provoking commentaries - see: ‘Further news, views, commentaries below - we recommend two further ‘must-reads’:
- A review of our troubled, divided country by Dr John Robinson. See: Our choice for the future: Equality or tribal rule (2023)
- Political commentator Zoran Rakovic’s analysis of how small, organised groups shape policy in New Zealand, while a passive majority remains silent under the weight of sacred political narratives. See: The Silent Majority and the Sacred Minority
Furthermore, regularly check the Democracy Action Facebook page, where we post news items and commentaries of interest as they come to hand.
Thank you for your continued interest and support. If you have any suggestions you would like to offer, or if you need further information or help, please do not hesitate to contact us at [email protected].
And please help spread the message by sharing our newsletters with anyone who may be interested. You can receive further updates by registering or joining us.
Kind regards,
Susan Short