The New Zealand Herald

Tauranga’s democracy too important

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Minister of Local Government Simeon Brown was right to hold the line when a group of Tauranga commission­ers wanted to stay in the job instead of handing full control of the city back to ratepayers’ elected representa­tives.

The Bay of Plenty Times revealed last week that the commission, now in the final months of its term ahead of July’s election, asked for the council to be governed by four commission­ers and five elected councillor­s until at least October next year.

The commission — made up of chairwoman Anne Tolley, Bill Wasley, Shadrach Rolleston and Stephen Selwood — was sorely needed when it was appointed in 2021. “Poor behaviour”, “infighting”, “leaks of confidenti­al informatio­n” and a struggle to “set rates at a realistic level” were among the issues Nanaia Mahuta (Brown’s predecesso­r) highlighte­d when putting the commission in place.

Despite the circumstan­ces, the decision to install the commission still ruffled feathers. It was just the fourth time in three decades a commission replaced a council: the others were Rodney District Council in 2000, Environmen­t Canterbury in 2010 and Kaipara District Council in 2012.

But Tauranga ratepayers deserved better governance than what the former council was able to provide, and the commission — to its credit — seems to have delivered that.

In making its bid to share power with councillor­s after the July elections, the commission said the stakes were “incredibly high”, “considerab­le progress” had been achieved but there were 13 key risk areas requiring “proactive leadership” for success and “the benefit of the city” . . . “The very future of our city as the region’s economic powerhouse and as a great place to live, work, learn and play, will depend upon the council being led by a high-functionin­g governance team.”

The commission­ers quoted a report by consultanc­y firm Martin Jenkins stating a sudden transition to a fully elected council posed “significan­t risks”, “could jeopardise the hard-earned momentum in advancing critical infrastruc­tural projects initiated to address historical underinves­tment . . . [and] undermine the confidence of strategic partners, investors and stakeholde­rs.” Brown, however, was unmoved.

“Local elections are the primary mechanism for communitie­s to exercise their democratic rights and elect their representa­tives,” he said.

It is hoped that those privileged enough to win the trust of voters come July repay them with greater governance than their elected predecesso­rs.

Councillor­s should not be afraid to stick up for their principles or challenge the consensus view. But they need to be able to work through any difference­s in the interests of the people they serve.

That may mean progress is slower than under Tauranga’s unelected commission, particular­ly as the new council finds its feet.

Such is the price of democracy. And, like Brown, we look forward to seeing it return to Tauranga.

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