Unheard voices

The fact that Local voter turnouts are commonly half that of participation in Parliamentary elections — is not an indication of laziness or apathy, it is a practical recognition that many people see real power lying at central government level with local government being a side show — the relationship of the organ-grinder and the monkey.

This can also be seen in the rank abuse of power in the Three Waters project and the bi-partisan urban intensification policy. People would rightly ask why they bother supporting local government when it has no influence at central government level.

Effectively, a no-vote is a protest vote and this has been obvious for decades.

Geoff Lewis, Hamilton.