Save Our Community Board

 

Don't throw the baby out with the bathwater

Nelson Mail 12 November 2005 By Duncan Eddy

 

Tasman District is the country's fastest-growing region. Statistics New Zealand estimates that the local population grew by 1.7 percent in the year to June. With this influx of residents comes increased development, which puts greater strain on infrastructure. Increased development means increased pressure on roading, sewerage systems, drinking water supply, refuse collection and the like. Basically, more people means more work for local councils.

 

So it's dissappointing that the Tasman District Council, as part of their representation review, is considering disbanding the Motueka and Golden Bay Community Boards, which act as conduits for local input into local government matters. Axed Boards would probably be replaced by Community Associations, which would have no power or responsibility conveyed under the Local Government Act.

 

Some claim that Community Boards can be ineffectual and unappealing. We should, however, be careful not to throw the baby out with the bath water. What's needed is not disempowered Associations, which at best represent only a handful of residents, but Boards with greater decisionmaking powers, which actively consult within the community and work to resolve and advocate for local concerns.

 

What advantages do Community Associations offer over Community Boards? Well, like most people, I'm stumped. Community Associations are notoriously under-attended, and propped up by the work of a few hardy and often unappreciated stalwarts. Expect voter partipation in Community Association elections to be about one percent of that of Community Board elections. The point is, most people don't get involved in Community Associations, and they will never get involved, or pay any attention to its goings-on whatsoever.

 

So what is a Community Association anyway? Ask someone, anyone. Chances are they won't know. If Tasman ratepayers and residents are to make a choice as to whether we prefer a Community Board or a Community Association we need a reasonable understanding of the pros and cons of each system. A lot of effort needs to go into raising local awareness of this vital information so we can weigh up the possibilities ourselves.

Motueka residents, who may lose their Community Board, as well people from Golden Bay, who could lose one of their two councillors or their Community Board, should pay close attention to this local representation review.  Local and Central Government should consult closely and widely with these communities before making any decisions that will affect our local democracy.

 

That doesn't mean that the residents of the other three wards which comprise the Tasman District shouldn't pay attention. Richmond stands to gain another councillor, and it seems likely that Council will recommend that Nelson Lakes, Moutere/Waimea and Richmond Wards Community Associations are formed.

 

These communities need strong local representation, and should also be asking whether a Community Board or a Community Association is the best option for them. The importance of outlying areas in this district having easy access to local government decision-making can't be overemphasised.

 

Community Boards are far from ideal, but the basic structure is in place, and their functions can be improved. I'd rather see Community Boards retained and strengthened through increased local participation and greater delegated powers, than a lot of money, time, and confusion going into replacing the existing system with something that appears to be inferior.

 

At the very least, I hope elected decision-makers will seek, and listen to, the points of view of the communities who will have to live with the outcome of this review.

 

Duncan Eddy , from Motueka's, ‘CommunityAction for People and Planet', works to nurture community and environmental awareness and participation.