Councillors to make decisions — that's their job

I'm a little confused by Graham Clark's argument that a poll on Maori Wards would save money.

My recollection is that the cost of running a poll is around $100,000, whereas HBRC staff gave an indicative cost estimate of $15,000 for running the consultation process that was used.

Therefore a poll may have cost ratepayers an additional $85,000. One wonders where the so-called savings would come from.

There seems to be an awful lot of misinformation out in the wider public about the process undertaken in making this decision.

Also we elected councillors to make decisions. That's their job.

HBRC's Significance and Engagement Policy sets out circumstances when public consultation is mandatory.

Every other decision can be made in house so to speak. It was clear that the creation of Maori Wards was a significant decision so Councillor's, I believe, took the right path and consulted with the public.

No one tried to hide anything, with standard processes being used along the way.

If any member of the public feels like this was a decision made in stealth I would suggest that part of your civic duty contract is to be aware of what our local councils are doing.

It's not their fault that you don't read their newsletters or advertisements.

We all have a responsibility to be interested and engaged. Perhaps that's why Mr Clark did not bother making a submission on the issue of Maori Wards.

More fool him for disengaging with the system.