Community must have input into decision-making

Northland communities must ensure they have a say on the draft proposal for reorganising local government in their region to achieve a final proposal that values local democracy, says Labour spokesperson on Local Government, Su’a William Sio.

“Having a strong unified voice for the Northland region is important, but that voice is stronger only when local communities are a major part of the decision-making processes and are empowered to participate in local democracy and not shut out.

“While the Far North District Council and iwi leaders’ forum set this process in motion by lodging an application to reorganise local government, there are still lessons to be learnt from the reorganisation of Auckland.

“The amalgamation of 8 territorial authorities there led to centralised decision-making, the loss of local community empowerment, and the establishment of council-controlled organisations and non-elected officials in charge of key community assets.

“At the end of the day, the ideal local government structure is one that is designed to ensure optimum economic, social, environmental and cultural well-being for the people it serves and who pay for local government.

“Local governments are after all based on the principle of by the people, of the people, for the people,” Su’a William Sio said.

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