When you take on any role of governance you take on responsibilities. Those include honesty, representing the will of those who chose you to represent them, and justifying openly the reasons for the decisions you made on their behalf. An example of that moral compass is why your local board has now chosen to open itself to the public for all but confidential discussions.
Regardless of whether your political leanings are red, green or blue, I believe we should all call into question some of our Government’s current activities that are affecting you.
Let me start with the Three Waters Policy. When this was announced they promised to consult with Councils. Councils as a group soundly rejected that policy, and I believe for good reason. After being told in no uncertain terms it was a policy not acceptable to those of us representing your assets, they chose to ignore your rights of ownership. This is not democracy in action!
They intend to take the assets that you paid for and hand them over to a group of unelected people, who by decree must be 50 percent Maori. I personally find this to be totally unacceptable and a denial of the principles of democracy.
The second issue I would like to raise is the proverbial elephant in the room – Covid, and its subsequent lock-downs. I find it deeply distressing to see families, friends and work colleagues turning against each other. Once again I want to stress the importance of democracy.
People are making choices regarding their own health, which should be an inalienable right. If you have chosen to be vaccinated, you have made that decision to protect yourself and your loved ones. But it must also be acknowledged that those who have chosen not to be vaccinated (with the current option) are exercising those same thoughts and rights.
I’m hearing distressing stories of staff losing their jobs or in fear of being fired, often by employers who do not want to enforce this – teachers, for example.
Local businesses’ financial survival is on the line because of an apparent need to separate us all. Encouraging high standards of health, care and hygiene should surely be our goal? Clearly this virus is now amongst us and should be dealt with as “here to stay”. Elimination has not been possible anywhere, and is not a realistic long-term expectation any longer.
Let’s get back to being one community that cares for and respects each other.
Hibiscus & Bays Local Board deputy chair
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