On Friday, the draft report He mata whariki, he matawhanui, detailing significant changes to local government, was released. The report was initiated 18 months ago by Minister of Local Government Nanaia Mahuta.
The report includes 29 recommendations, including:
- lowering the voting age to 16
- including mana whenua appointees as well as elected councillors
- moving from FPP to the Single Transferable Vote system
- increased payments to councillors
Panel chair Jim Palmer says including mana whenua appointees allows for the stronger iwi and hapu involvement in local decision making.
We think it’s a more nuanced conversation than just ‘one person, one vote’.
RNZ
He says taking a te ao Maori approach to local issues will strengthen councils.
LGNZ president Stuart Crosby says:
Our country needs a local governance system that is community focused and citizen centred, based on strong relationships and partnerships. That’s what the report recommendations aim to achieve.
Scoop
Submissions and feedback are open until 28 February 2023.
https://submissions.futureforlocalgovernment.govt.nz/
Discuss it on The BFD.
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