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The price of democracy?
What price for democracy? Well, at least 20 bucks! That is what you will have to pay if you want to go to the meeting at the Warkworth Town Hall on July 30 being organised by three rather different, but clearly dissident groups (MM, July 18), all complaining that Co-Governance is going to take away their rights. If they really believed in democracy by the people for the people, they would encourage all to come and express their views for free. Mind you, I doubt they want anyone with a democratically opposed view to theirs coming and spoiling the party.
Neil Anderson, Algies Bay
Unify NZ Coordinator Teresa Gibson responds: Thank you for your concerns. We are proud to say Unify NZ is a fully inclusive non-political group of local ratepayers committed to bringing key issues to the public – where our local politicians and community leaders have failed to do so.
Our team has contributed over 200 volunteer hours over the last three months planning this event – with no reimbursement for our efforts. We are charging a minimal amount to cover our operational expenses (Auckland Council hall hire, private sound system, and so on) along with promotional costs (advertising and flyers), plus a reimbursement of our speakers’ travel and some accommodation costs. (We are grateful our speakers are not charging normal fees – as then admissions would be even higher!)
Plus, we are not associated with any business or corporate sponsors, thus the upfront costs and risks are coming out of our own pockets.
We warmly welcome everyone who will respectfully listen to our speakers and participate in a robust discussion with all points of views considered. We will have an MC on hand to ensure everyone is heard equally around the topics outlined, and we look forward to an educational and informative event for all inspired to attend.
