Why I truly value LGNZ, compromised beast that it is. – Stuff

Bryan Cadogan is the Clutha District Mayor.

When we take those precious few seconds during an Anzac parade to thank our lucky stars for the freedoms and privileges our democracy offers all Kiwis and when we watch TV and shake our heads in disbelief at the tyranny, corruption, oppression, and lives so distant from our own, is it not time for us to seriously consider the value of our democracy, and the part that democracy has in preserving our freedom, rights, and privileges?

In New Zealand we have two pillars that symbolise our democracy - central government and local government. Each team has distinct roles and obligations and, unfortunately for the team I play on, there is a huge power imbalance.

Central government determines the laws and local government is tasked with enacting them.

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All councillors take a solemn oath to act faithfully and impartially, and according to the best of their skill and judgement, execute and perform, in the best interests of their district.

Despite all the bull and derogatory statements that come our way, I have never seen a first-time councillor who wasnt overwhelmed with the enormity of the commitment.

I know when I first took the oath as mayor it was with tears running unashamedly down my face - which goes to the very heart of the values hopes and dreams that we have for the districts we love, and the burden of responsibility that we must fight for our people.

Until the world created Facebook warriors this notion was rarely questioned.

Governments can come, governments can go this too is a critical part of democracy, along with the tolerance that is needed to endure for three years when your party loses.

For councils, we have an added dimension of responsibility as a public entity, regardless of who is in government or what legislation changes. The power hierarchy has councils able to critique, but always respecting the laws of the land.

Local Government New Zealand (LGNZ), the local collective that makes up half the democratic structure that preserves and reflects your freedom and privileges, is consequently a compromised beast, dissimilar to central government where majority rules.

Local government must have an autonomous arrangement. We took an oath that is fundamental to our existence, to act in the best interests of our district - sorry but thats non-negotiable, and we will not cede our autonomy.

If all the North Island councils collectively pushed an idea, they may have the majority and we will consider their stance, but unlike central government we do not collapse to the will of the majority.

This straddles every LGNZ function. They cannot dictate or demand anything of councils - their strength is to facilitate, in effect they are our support network.

We collectively task them with gaining policy insight that we as small councils couldnt individually resource, and they are our primary conduit to MPs.

They have a mandated structure whereby every three years we vote on appointing elected member leadership roles within the LGNZ framework.

LGNZ has credibility, respect, and a proud history of holding councils together. I know there have been many times when something has hit the fan that I pick up the phone, and after talking to some of the mayors I respect, it is LGNZs advice that I seek.

I labour these points because in recent weeks all councils have been bombarded with multiple duplicated requests for our councils to leave LGNZ.

Oh my God. Just at a time when we need all the coordinated strength we can muster, to stand resolute and be determined to play our part in injecting your values, principles and needs into the plethora of reform proposed, there is a call to dismantle one of the cornerstones of our democracy and scatter councils to the four winds with no mandated structure or cohesive voice.

Do you honestly realise what you are proposing?

Kavinda Herath/Stuff

Clutha District Mayor Bryan Cadogan

Thankfully Clutha district councillors are unanimous that we remain in LGNZ.

And like many councils around the country, consider it would be ludicrous to dismantle our strength and structure leaving central government to its own devices.

LGNZ was instrumental in establishing the three working parties to challenge and scrutinise the proposed Three Waters reform legislation.

This week the second of those working groups, the Rural Supplies Technical Working Group that I was proud to chair, released its 30 recommendations. Those 30 recommendations are all examples of where we have taken the opportunity to change the legislation, and accepted the opportunity to refine and insert our communities values and needs.

When you combine it with the Governance Working Groups 44 recommendations, you are now seeing a suite of changes that fundamentally change the original legislation. I am not saying its perfect, but it is a huge improvement.

LGNZ took a fair bit of criticism at the time for the stance of agreeing to establishing these groups, and it has most definitely caused a rift amongst membership.

But to date, the combined recommendations are the only changes that have been made to where it really matters, the legislation.

Those who continue to run away (noisily) from the fight have achieved absolutely nothing other than create division and confuse the public. So in my books that makes the score 74 to 0 - and totally vindicates LGNZS tactic.

I thank them for giving us the chance to do the right thing by the people we serve.

Originally posted here:

Why I truly value LGNZ, compromised beast that it is. - Stuff