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Pee Kay
No Minister
I’m presuming many readers will have received emails from political parties and political ginger groups announcing their roles in this week’s announcement that the government will change the law so only elected councillors can vote on council committees.
And we all say well done to them all for the parts they played in getting the government to move on this issue where democracy was being pushed aside and political strength and power would be determined by your ancestry. The cornerstone of democracy, one person, one vote will be preserved.
This announcement by Minister Watts strips unelected appointees of their power to vote on your rates, property, and community.
Or does it?
Is this just another ‘Claytons Change’ by a government that acts as school-crossing ‘lollipop men’ halting democracy and waving on through the ever increasing Māori power and influence?
This point in the article below, to me, illustrates just how duplicitous this National led government is – Watts said on Tuesday that once the law is passed councils will have six months to review their appointments before the law change takes effect
As the writer says – It will be unlikely that the necessary law change will be implemented before the election.
Is the government serious about stopping co-governance?
Is this government just taking the p*ss?
If those two questions are unfounded; why not implement a law change under urgency? The government are well practised in that skill!
The question is when, minister?
The minister has finally acknowledged the message following months of dithering.
The government will stop unelected individuals from voting on council committees, a move an Act MP has characterised as closing an “anti-democratic loophole”.
Meanwhile the head honcho at FNDC says he’ll ignore such missives and continue on unabated. At least I think that is what his word salad in Manglish says.
“So I say to those that want to try and detract or to put focus on us on whether or not the instruments that we’re implementing in here to include Māori at the final district council are right or wrong, that argument and that debate needs to go to central government who have legislated that it’s absolutely fine and we are carrying on with our mahi.”
Congratulations to Councillor Ms Davina Smolders for standing her ground and initially raising the issue months ago.
So Minister Watts, when? Today would be preferable, under urgency.
From further reading:
This cornered prick is really taking the p*ss.
Watts said on Tuesday that once the law is passed councils will have six months to review their appointments before the law change takes effect.
Any such appointments should be axed immediately. It will be unlikely that the necessary law change will be implemented before the election.
Only being seen to be doing something to chase votes.
Potaka and Luxon will be watching closely that nothing more is promised.
Now, what about Māori Wards?
This article was originally published by No Minister.
