Home - HistoryWhy we are having a referendum ….
Direct democracy
Extracts from Mayor's triennial speech
Council resolution
Direct democracyThe following is an extract from Vision Wanganui's pre-election policy:
"Preamble
The Local Government Act (2002) sets out the legal requirements governing consultation between a council and its citizens. These include seeking public input into both the annual plan and the LTCCP (long term council community plan). There are also requirements to consult over "issues of significance" and with local iwi under the principles of the Treaty of Waitangi.
All are equally ineffective. They neither interpret the will of the people, nor allow the Wanganui public a real input into council decision-making. In addition, the quality of council communications is so incomprehensible and inaccessible that the vast majority of residents are excluded from any effective engagement.
Meanwhile, all policy determinations concerning ratepayers' money, remain the exclusive preserve of the councillors themselves. They, in turn, rely almost exclusively upon paid council staff for their information and guidance. Often this becomes a case of the blind leading the blind.
Vision
'Vision Wanganui' will, literally, give power to the people. A real and direct influence upon all issues of local significance and a more effective input into Council decision-making.
We will also pioneer the concept of 'direct democracy' and ensure that Wanganui leads the rest of the country in its decision-making processes. We will create a genuine partnership between the Council and its ratepayers and residents.
Policy Guidelines:
1. Decision-Making
Given that democracy is based upon empowering informed citizens and allowing them to take collective responsibility, 'Vision Wanganui' will:1.1 Utilise referenda to allow Wanganui citizens and ratepayers the final decision on all "matters of significance" (eg Sarjeant Art Gallery extension). These referenda will allow clear choices - and proceed only after a balanced information campaign. This will outline the pros and cons of the choices. The results will bind the Council.
1.2 Citizens themselves may institute a district-wide referendum if 10% or over of those enrolled on the Wanganui District Council electoral roll gather the requisite signatures. Any subsequent referendum held would be binding upon the council (provided that the outcome did not breach any government legislation or legal guidelines).
1.3 It would be the intention to hold any referenda prior to the setting of the annual rates and any decisions made would have a direct influence upon the annual planning process …"
Extracts from the address by Mayor Michael Laws at the swearing-in ceremony of the Wanganui District Council on 22 October 2004:
"Distinguished guests, fellow Councillors, ladies and gentlemen:
This is an auspicious occasion. It is not simply the swearing in of a new civic leadership but a time for rededication and renewal. A time when both council and community come together, and celebrate the democratic process and the optimism of a new council term.
That this is a new council is something of an understatement. We have a new mayor, a mayoress, seven new councillors and four new community board members. I doubt that there has been such a comprehensive change in community leadership in the history of the Wanganui district …
The challenge for this new council then is to respond to that demand for change. We are assisted in that process by the fact that a number of councillors, including myself, articulated clear policy positions prior to the election. So that people knew exactly what to expect - what policies, what priorities will be set by their elected representatives.
Can I say that my first priority - as Mayor - is to bring the Council closer to the community.
That means we must and will pioneer new ways to involve Wanganui people in civic decision-making, so that the people feel that Council belongs to them. And not cliques, bureaucrats or old boys' clubs.
Second, I want to get rates under control.
It is my intention to ensure that Wanganui is an attractive proposition to prospective residents and businesses alike. That means presenting a cost structure that is not out of kilter with other provincial cities and districts. We live in a competitive world - Wanganui is competing for both population and commerce against the Napiers, the New Plymouths, the Palmerston Norths and the Hamiltons of this world.
It will be my intention to lead a Council that sets a nil rates increase for the next financial year, and that reviews our ratings system in toto. Which, in turn, means that Council itself needs to ensure that every ratepayer dollar spent is absolutely justified …"
Council resolution
"Minutes of a Meeting of the Strategy Committee held at 2.00pm on Thursday, 10 February 2005 in the No. 2 Committee Room, Municipal Office Building, 101 Guyton Street, WanganuiCommittee's Recommendation
Proposed by Cr Taylor, seconded by Cr Hughes:THAT a referendum seeking community feedback on discretionary projects be held for input to the 2005/2006 Annual Plan.
CARRIED
Crs Bullock, Dahya, McGregor, Stevens and Westwood voted against"
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