Govt must apply our values consistently

On one hand we have the New Zealand Government’s concern over the Chinese Government’s actions regarding the governance of Hong Kong. In the NZ Herald, November 21, Foreign Affairs Minister Nanaia Mahuta promotes “New Zealand’s consistent position on values such as . . . democracy”.

On the other hand, the NZ Labour Government wants to change the voting system for Local Government. Nanaia Mahuta, as Local Government Minister, has stated the Government wishes to remove the right of citizens to request a poll on the establishment of Maori wards in local government.

One would could quite rightly expect that our government would apply our values consistently. Brian Mclachlan

Whanga¯rei

Leadership lost

GM Tinker makes key points regarding the importance of governance in all organisations, as we collectively struggle to move forward as a society, strongly, ethically, and inclusively.

Governance provides the essential base for decisions and actions as to what we do, ie, management; but we take those actions only because of what we exist and stand for, ie, governance. This applies to nearly all organisations, from Government downwards (or upwards, depending on your point of view).

I’m a believer in the power of belonging to organisations as a necessary base for building happy and successful communities — the glue that holds society together — and fulfils purpose in life.

Governance deals with big picture organisational aims, purpose, vision, history, consultation, discipline, responsibility to parent bodies, transparency, democracy and accountability to all members, for starters. Get this right, along with goodwill, and hey presto, amazing societal progress will probably happen!

As Massey University Professor Andy Asquith speaks truth to local bodies across our nation, yes, education, training, and development of leadership seems to be missing. Bring it on. And add understanding of the use and misuse of role-power please. Organisations cannot grow to meet the needs of their members beyond the level of personal development of its leadership.

This is actually very learnable. The want-to factor is key. Gwendolyn Needham Whanga¯rei

Housing shortage

I have said it before and I say it again. As long as it is possible for people with lots of money to buy up houses for capital gain, the shortage of houses will never change and the prices will continually rise, no matter how many are built.

Will that ever change? I think not as those in power are not interested.

Tony Ryken Whanga¯rei