Election Year

I was asked to write an article for the Lake Rotoiti Community Association's July newsletter. Here's what I wrote:

Election Year rolls around again; so what's different this time?

The Annual Plan process is well behind us now with decisions made, rates struck and the inevitable gnashing of teeth about whether you think we could have done better. It is an interesting process as we have as many differing views as we do people who make them. This balancing act requires a broad perspective and a willingness to look at the whole picture over the long haul and not settle for a quick fix.

Fortunately Rotorua, like many smaller cities and districts is not controlled along party political lines and this I believe is our greatest strength. What has always struck me about local government is that the elected members really do represent a cross section of the community.

Up until recently the choice was four distinct wards with three councillors elected from each ward to give a total of 12 councillors for the district. Each ward is represented by the councillors they have voted for however, all councillors are sworn in to represent the whole district. With the establishment of the Rotorua Lakes Community Board in 2007 the lakeside communities have enjoyed additional representation. As one of two RDC representatives on this board, I am aware of the huge input from the community board. It is hard to imagine the Council being as well informed about issues in these communities without the advocacy of the community board.

After repeated calls from the community to abolish the ward system, the councillors voted to go district wide for the 2010 Elections. This October for the first time, the ward system will no longer apply and voters may select candidates from any part of the district.

How does that affect you?

As voters you have the opportunity to vote for up to 12 candidates. This offers you greater flexibility and choice over who you believe will best guide the city now and into the future. It allows you to choose a mix of candidates that best represents the direction you believe the council should be heading in. All candidates offer a mix of skills, experience and cultural diversity and as voters each one of you gets the chance to make your vote count.

At the last elections voter turnout in the Rotorua electorate was just 44%. It is vital that as many people as possible exercise their democratic right to vote. Your vote does count and does make a difference. At present Rotorua District Council comprises six men and six woman councillors plus the mayor, Kevin Winters. I believe women bring a different approach to governance and I hope that women will continue to be well represented on our council.

"And where are the women in local government? Following the 2007 elections, women made up 32% of all elected members, and 46% of District Health Board members. Three city councils and ten district councils have women mayors, and out of Local Government New Zealand's 15 National council members, five are women.'' Kerry Prendergast Vice-President Local Government NZ.

I urge anyone with a passion for our community to consider standing for council. Information is available from the RDC Electoral Officer, Mr Peter Christophers. I also encourage each of you to make your vote count.