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No vote in Kaipara
Another $52,000 [ref: Local Government legal obligations to Māori, KDC meeting July 30] of our money poured down the drain by self-styled ‘Trump of the North’ and his cohorts on “advice” forced on the CEO and staff, not from their usual legal advisers, but from what both the Northern Advocate and Kaipara Lifestyler indicate is a divisive or polarising legal opinion from an out-of-area firm.
Unlike most of the electorates in New Zealand, we in Kaipara will not be voting on whether we want a Māori Ward or not, as that democratic decision was removed from the ratepayers of Kaipara last year by Mr Jepson’s cabal, who made the decision for us, at a cost to us, of around $200,000.
This time last year I wrote suggesting that by voting to abolish the Māori Ward, the plan might be to ensure the ‘tyranny of the majority’, but perhaps I was wrong and it is now to ensure that all decisions are decided by ‘the gang of five’.
Luke Williamson’s warnings in his letter (MF July 14) regarding the waste-to-energy plant and other schemes which degrade the environment, or those that are detrimental to public health and are divisive to the community and undermine our democracy, should be taken seriously. Candidates’ views should be sought before the election – we do not want to choose wrongly again. And perhaps this is particularly important for those of us who are Kaiwaka-Mangawhai Ward residents and Pakeha. I, for one, want people to represent me, not misrepresent me.
The letter accompanying this year’s rate demand says, “When setting rates, elected members carefully balance the benefit of the service against the cost to the ratepayers”, and in his letter, (MF July 28) Peter Nicholas heaps praise on the mayor and his cabal, and is certain “he is looking after our interests”. Really?
Robin Morgans, Mangawhai
Basics needed
So, Dr Jason Smith wants Kaipara’s Mayoral chains, again.
After the mess he left as council’s leader between 2019 and 2022, this risks the back-to-basics work done by the new council led from the front by Craig Jepson and Jonathan Larsen.
Dr Smith’s PhD is in the creative economy – like fashion and film*. He talks a storm and dresses well, but his heart’s not really in roads, rates and rubbish. It never has been and never will be.
Kaipara needs councillors and a mayor prepared to roll their sleeves up with staff and build better roads and stormwater systems. The basics. Keep rates down and no frills.
Dr Joel Cayford, Mangawhai
*Editor’s note: Jason Smith has a Bachelor of Science (Honours) degree in agriculture and land management. His PhD was in economic development, with a thesis examining New Zealand’s creative industries.
