Mayor’s opinion
Taranaki is an amazingly diverse place full of incredible people. Our people are increasingly diverse, with some 80-plus nationalities represented in the region and more people moving here every year.
Our opinions are also diverse.
Diverse opinions and debate are the lifeblood of a healthy democracy.
And this social media phenomena has served to amplify both voices and opinions.
It is a marvel of communication and a curse. Back in the day you had to look someone in the eye and speak to them. I liked that. The physical presence of others had a hugely moderating influence on all but the most steadfast of speakers.
As a child of the 1970s I grew up in an era when we all watched the same TV shows because we only had two channels. We all read the same newspaper because we only had one. And so we held similar conversations around the country with a wide range of views represented, although the voices of minority groups often struggled to break into the mainstream.
But nowadays we sit in the privacy of our homes on keyboards and screens making comments with little thought or care for how they might impact on others, shielded from the personal reactions of others with our isolation in the safety of our chosen networks.
We cluster in online groups with like-minded individuals agreeing with each other’s sentiments, amplifying opinions, outrage, in virtual echo chambers reinforcing cognitive bias.
And while we cherish the freedom of opinion and expression many died protecting in ditches around the world in ghastly conflicts, we seem to have forgotten their sacrifice, the privilege of living in a free country, the responsibility that comes with being able to express our views openly.
And so once again I find myself publicly censuring an elected member of the New Plymouth District Council for dragging the reputation of our council, our district and our region into the mud.
For those who like to label Taranaki a redneck region, Cr Murray Chong’s comments that he is ashamed to sing the te reo version of our national anthem was all the ammunition they needed. When challenged on it, implying other councillors felt the same way was despicable.
You see, I don’t want people to think like me. I just want them to think.
In making the comments online Cr Chong did not think this view would become public, but everything online is public, and elected officials are public property.
The comments, on the back of previous comments disparaging of te reo and other antics carried out to cause public offence, particularly to Ma¯ ori or other ethnic minorities, were unprofessional, unbecoming of a councillor and in direct conflict to the culture the New Plymouth District Council is working every day to build.
The comments have damaged the reputation of New Plymouth. They have incensed his fellow councillors who have worked tirelessly for the past two years to build a more tolerant and inclusive culture in the district.
They have hurt and upset many in our community.
I am not a person who is in the business of telling people either what they should say or what they should think.
But when you stand and are elected to public office you make a commitment to represent your entire community, not just your friends, not just your networks, not just your neighbourhood. Everybody, including those who disagree with you.
Our role in council is about growing and developing our community in a positive and sustainable way that builds a sense of community, collective responsibility and care for one another.
Cr Chong’s comments showed no empathy or understanding for those who have fought tirelessly to keep their language and culture alive in the face of years of institutional racism which all but destroyed both the Ma¯ ori language and culture.
There are 15 elected members on council and Cr Chong’s comments in no way represent the collective views of our team or our organisation.
It is not in my power to censor anyone, nor would I wish it to be, but it is my belief that freedom of speech should be cherished and respected and a publicly elected New Zealand official constantly seeking to undermine the role of Ma¯ ori and te reo in our nation is shameful.
I took the time to speak at length with Cr Chong before drafting this letter to ensure he is completely aware of the hurt and damage to the reputation of his province that these comments have caused.
He has undertaken to publicly apologise which in my view is the very least he could do and I am sure my fellow councillors will wish to express their own views on this most regrettable behaviour.
In making the comments online Cr Chong did not think this view would become public, but everything online is public, and elected officials are public property.