Viewpoint – Electoral overhaul needed

Firstly let me thank all those electors who voted me back on to the Hibiscus and Bays Local Board to represent the Hibiscus subdivision. To achieve the highest number of vote’s shows that people recognised that I am a community person, willing to listen and try to solve your concerns. We are so lucky to live in the environment we do, let’s all work together to keep it this way for future generations to enjoy.

In my opinion the local body election process needs an overhaul. Although the Hibiscus Coast was one of the highest voting areas in Auckland still only 41 percent of eligible voters voted. Not even half! Why?

People need to engage differently, with more public meetings, so candidates have to front up and be accountable. The cost of running a campaign is getting out of some people’s reach. We need people who will represent all of our community in a fair and equitable way.
Should voting be compulsory? Should it be online or should we go back to polling booths like they do for Government elections? Should we have a range of ways to vote? The successful trial at this election was having election booths at universities, showing if we take voting to where people are, they are more likely to vote.

Another thing that doesn’t help is the different electoral boundaries for local government versus central government – and the different types of voting: Mixed-Member Proportional for government elections; First Past the Post for Council and Local Boards; Single Transferable Vote for District Health Boards – many voters told me it was just too bewildering, and they gave up.

Let’s hope these areas of confusion can be looked at urgently and a new system is in place for the next local body election.

I’ve been involved with the Men’s Shed project and working with them to get the shed built. It’s a worthwhile community asset to be built on land leased to the group at Silverdale Memorial Park. They do a lot of projects that enrich our local community.  While women usually find it easier to communicate with one another and share problems, it can be harder for men. The shed gives them a place to do this. Thank you to the contractors contributing their time and expertise to help the group. There is still a long way to go, so if you can help or make a donation, please contact them.

Our local board presents five scholarships to students attending colleges in our local board area. The students need to consistently demonstrate good citizenship through community participation. It was a pleasure presenting a scholarship at Wentworth College prizegiving. There I heard how children are encouraged to overcome obstacles and grow in confidence.

Christmas is around the corner. I take this opportunity to wish everyone a happy and safe festive season. Spending time with family and friends around us are memories we treasure, reflect on and have for a lifetime.

Merry Christmas everyone.