Garrick Tremain Cartoon - Government departments

 

e-LETTERBOX

 

Letterbox is a copyright-free citizen press, produced by Democracy Northland. If you would like to receive LETTERBOX by email contact us with “e-letterbox” in the subject line. Back issues are available from our website.

Email: info@democracynorthland.co.nz

Are you prepared to stand to make a stand?

 

We have come to the view that the only way to change the mind of our local councillors is to change the local councillors!

Democracy Northland will be supporting candidates at next year’s local body elections. We are looking for people with integrity and respect for the democratic process. We want to have a council that represents the community, not one that imposes its view on the community.

The Greens have made no secret of the fact that they want to gain even greater influence on local councils than they already have and will be targeting local body elections.  

The feedback we have received is that people have had enough, and are saying “no” to radical ideology.  

Let’s give the public a common-sense alternative. If you may be interested in standing for your local district or regional council, please contact us at info@democracynorthland.co.nz.  

Minister clarifies changes to Maori wards

 

A letter dated 23 April from the Minister of Local Government to our local councils spelled out their options regarding Māori wards. The Northland Regional Council (NRC), Whangarei District Council (WDC), and Kaipara District Council (KDC) all introduced Māori wards without first calling for public input and they ignored petitions signed by some +15,000 people calling on the councils to hold a referendum. 

The Minister has told councils they can address that wrong in one of two ways. 

Taxpayers pay huge legal bill for iwi/hapu claims to Whangarei harbour

The second stage of the Māori claim for ownership of the Whangarei Coast is expected to cost taxpayers many millions of dollars in legal costs, and this is just one of 203 claims before the High Court. The hearing is scheduled to start on the 22nd of July. (The first stage for the Whangarei Harbour only, is currently being heard by the High Court in Whangarei.)

Under the Takutai Moana Financial Assistance Scheme introduced by the John Key National Government, iwi and hapu making claims for customary marine title of the foreshore and seabed may have their legal costs reimbursed by taxpayers. 

Quotable Quote

 

“Show me the incentives and I’ll show you the outcome.” - Charlie Munger