Fascination election – and democratic standards – warrant voter engagement

I believe changes to many of local government’s current responsibilities are required for communities to be more effectively served.

As one of the oldest continuous democratic nations in the world, New Zealand occupies a rare position on the international stage.

We take it for granted at our peril. Democracy requires positive engagement to survive and flourish, engagement from both you and me.

I believe the two-tier nature of our democratic institutions, where we have central and local government, is good. I realise it may not be perfect, but it is simple and accountable compared to the convoluted models we see elsewhere.

Its success is embedded in the high public participation rates our country has enjoyed over the years. Unfortunately, those participation rates have significantly dropped in recent years.

Most notable has been the lack of engagement in the local government elections, both from the perspective of candidate numbers and voter turnout.

When considering why this has happened, I have concluded there isn’t one overriding reason. Instead, there appears to be a culmination of several factors.

Apart from the postal voting process – when was the last time anyone posted a letter? – here are a few reasons that are top of mind.

There are the complicated voting processes adopted by some councils, lengthy candidate information booklets covering a variety of jurisdictions not connected to the voter, and the complete lack of any formal civics education through schools.

And don’t forget there’s still no opportunity to engage digitally to exercise our right and responsibility to vote despite us being an incredibly connected and electronically savvy population.

The 2022 local government elections, taking place on October 8, are shaping up to be fascinating on several fronts. Given the reforms the sector is currently facing, the elections may well be one of the last under the current local government structure, given some of the potential changes ahead.

Don’t get me wrong. I believe changes to many of local government’s current responsibilities are required for communities to be more effectively served.

However, as I reflected on the last major local government reforms in 1989, the adage about babies being thrown out with the bathwater comes to mind.

As a veteran of the 1989 reform and having witnessed the arbitrary nature boundaries were drawn up, both physical and relating to roles and responsibilities, I remain hopeful but wary of what these latest reforms will deliver.

I am very keen to continue to be an active player in local democracy and provide a steady hand on the wheel as we head towards a time of significant change locally and nationally.

However, my decision to stand for the mayoralty is not only driven by my passion for politics. For me, the Gore District is the most desirable place in the world to call home, and I want to ensure the privileges and opportunities I enjoyed growing up here are available to future generations.

For those who also have a desire to contribute positively to their community’s future, why not consider putting your name forward for a seat around the local government table? I assure you, it’s worth it.