In summary, this measurement has touched a voter nerve at several points… read more

...about 65% (statistically) of voters in Okara ward claim that [they are not being listened to] and it’s more than likely the same would apply throughout the district. But getting listened to is only half the battle - only 5% of that same population feels the council actually “responds” to ratepayers.

While only a mere 12.3% of the constituency feels that the Council even listens to them, only 5.3% feel that the Council is responsive to what they hear regarding the public’s expressed needs and requirements. Overwhelmingly the constituency is saying that our two Councils disregard the public voice, with nearly two thirds (65.3%) convinced that the Councils are deaf.

The second in a series of surveys I have commissioned draws the conclusions that “the public sees an out of control situation developing in local governance by their elected representatives.”

I found this interesting reading. Here is just one quote:
“Prime responsibility for addressing these issues [financial decision-making processes and the the financial decisions that are being made] rests with local government itself, and many of the remedies lie in self-management including the adoption of good practices, and the discipline of the democratic process including meaningful consultation with citizens. (my italics)

Whangarei District Council’s 2007/08 Annual Plan shows Finance Costs (debt servicing) of $8,640,000 and Developer & Development contributions of $5,814,000. Interesting to read in the Advocate, then....

In a survey I commissioned of Okara residents, the Whangarei constituency overwhelmingly said that councils disregard the public voice, with nearly two thirds (65.3%) convinced that councils are deaf.

71% of Whangarei ratepayers surveyed wished to retain ownership of the land at the Town Basin.
However......

Very interesting DVD. How politics and vested interest can kill a great idea.

It worked then - why can’t it work now?