Hibiscusmatters 18 June 2014 | 3
Open workshops under discussion No ‘cup of tea’ Moves to allow the public and media into Council workshops have stirred up local body representatives, with strong views expressed on both sides. Workshops, which include briefings behaviours and not always for the He says although Mike Cohen says by Council staff and the circulation better,” she says. “The approach Council staff have found increasing of information relevant to decision Devonport Takapuna is taking is more openness beneficial, he suspects staff making, are held almost weekly. No bureaucratic and, while open, I prefer will try to prevent the idea spreading proper Minutes are kept and public our meetings to be cost effective.” to other local boards as it means a access is not permitted. The pros and cons will be discussed change to current work practices. This year the Devonport Takapuna by the Hibiscus & Bays Local Board, However, he says this should not be Local Board opened its workshops ironically, in an upcoming workshop, allowed to prevent open workshops to the public, increasing transparent but deputy chair Greg Sayers says from happening. decision-making and leading to calls getting the issue aired in public at a “Workshop meetings should be made for the Hibiscus & Bays and Rodney full business meeting, is crucial. public to allow public scrutiny of the Local Boards to follow suit. Items that He also wants to have Devonport debates and how decisions are being meet the criteria for confidentiality are Takapuna Local Board chair Mike made. We are paid by the ratepayers, discussed separately. Cohen talk with members about how therefore the public has an absolute democratic right to observe and Cr Wayne Walker describes the the system works. Devonport Takapuna Local Board Mr Sayers says he is concerned that scrutinise us as their elected officials.” as “a model for openness and colleagues believe Council officers will All the Hibiscus & Bays Local Board community engagement” and while be less frank in public. members were approached for their he and Cr John Watson, together with “That’s a great shame as it’s really an views about open workshops. Only local board members Greg Sayers, excuse for under performance of the the ones mentioned responded prior Lovisa Rasmussen and David Cooper Council officer,” he says. “Also decisions to our paper deadline. are supportive of open workshops, are effectively being constructed in the member Lisa Whyte says it will workshops and ratified at the business adversely affect the full and frank meetings. That’s fundamentally wrong Have your say: Should the exchanges between members and staff in terms of public transparency and public have the right to attend and cost ratepayers more because of accountability of local government Council workshops, or are the need for Minutes. decision-making. Elected members they best left behind closed “For some elected members, the should not use a workshop as a shield doors? Join the conversation at www.localmatters.co.nz presence of the public or press changes from public scrutiny.”
Chinese volunteers lead first SOSSI planting The planting season at Shakespear Regional Park got underway recently, aided by the arrival of two busloads of Chinese people. Around 120 Chinese people helped SOSSI volunteers with planting a portion of the park at the eastern end of the peninsula on June 7. The group is part of the Chinese Conservation Education Trust, which was started in 2002 in collaboration with the Department of Conservation. It aims to educate Chinese people living in NZ about this country’s special places, plants and animals and plans to make planting at the park an annual activity. Around 1500 plants went in, with ranger Bruce Harrison describing the work as some of the best planting he’s seen in his 18 years with Council. Around 16,000 plants remain for the public planting days on June 22 and July 20 (10am–12pm each day). Members of the group are pictured watching Bruce demonstrate planting technique. Photo, Peter Jackson
FREE HEARING AID TEST DRIVE
Samantha & Steven Foster RHAD MANZAI
deal in Rodney Rodney MP Mark Mitchell is talking tough when it comes to the possibility of a deal between National and the Conservatives that could see him lose his seat in Parliament. Conservative leader Colin Craig is asking John Key to do a “cup of tea” type deal in either Rodney, East Coast Bays or Upper Harbour electorates, assisting the Conservatives to get into parliament by not standing a candidate in opposition to Mr Craig in September’s general election. Mr Key has not ruled out a deal: a seat for Mr Craig has become more important for National as it seeks to shore up potential coalition partners following the resignation of Act MP John Banks. However Mr Mitchell told Hibiscus Matters last week that there will be no deal done in Rodney. “I will be the candidate and that’s that,” he says. “I am in this job to serve people, I earned that right in the last election and it means a lot to me.” Mr Mitchell romped home in the last election despite a concerted effort on behalf of the Conservatives, who polled a distant second (Mr Mitchell achieved a majority of more than 12,000 with more than 20,000 votes to Mr Craig’s 8000). However as a backbench MP he would not be high on the party’s list and if a deal is done in Rodney he could potentially miss out altogether. Both East Coast Bays MP Murray McCully and Paula Bennett, who received National’s nomination for the new Upper Harbour electorate, have said they do not want to roll over for the Conservatives. Ultimately the decision of which electorate Mr Craig will stand in is dependent upon any discussions with Prime Minister John Key, and it will be up to the National party to decide which, if any, MPs it is prepared to put on the list. Parties must finalise candidates by August.
Come visit our Don’t be left out of the conversation! Try before you buy with NEW clinic at the a no risk demonstration of the very latest hearing devices. Whang • FREE no obligation initial hearing assessments (op aparaoa Plaza p Post Office) • Evening & weekend appointments no problem! • 100% money-back guarantee* • Fully independent advice • Price beating guarantee* • Home visits available • All makes & models serviced *Terms and conditions apply. Call for more information
Ph: 0508 HEARAGAIN (432724) • www.hearagain.co.nz