No scrutiny

Very significant spending increases for Natureland and the Brook Sanctuary have been inserted in Nelson’s long-term plan without scrutiny by councillors.

This increase was not discussed, debated or suggested by any councillors, nor considered by Tim Skinner’s sport and recreation committee.

This committee had requested an independent report to evaluate what proportion of present funding is relevant to council/ ratepayer objectives of what Natureland is spending.

The report has been undertaken, and was supposed to have been completed and presented to councillors before the LTP, giving advice as to whether the new projects of Natureland are in our interests, and thus how much if any of what Natureland has requested is valid.

Originally Natureland’s funding from ratepayers over the last 5 years of $150,000 was to end this following financial year.

It became evident at last year’s annual plan hearings that consultation with the public was merely a formality.

The spending in the plan is apparently being predetermined behind closed doors by the mayor and staff. Why have an election for councillors if such an approach is taken?

Is Nelson so anxious to adopt authoritarian governance without any democracy?