Wards

I am opposed to the whole ward system.

Napier is a very small geographical area, I believe Napier’s community would be better served by a city-wide elected Council ensuring that the most competent popularly elected 12 people are sitting at the council table. 

Council is the biggest business in town employing a large diverse staff undertaking a wide range of activities and awarding contracts involving both considerable risk and cost which can significantly influence our local economy. If Council was a listed company and you were a shareholder, you would want the most capable people sitting at the council table making decisions on major expenditure and employment that impact our community significantly.

Declining competence, the introduction of the ward system option in the 2002 local government act, I believe (having had a close involvement with local government for 45 years) has over time introduced more diversity but at the same time in my opinion, has also decreased the competence and capability of the elected member collective. 

Think back, when did communities start to lose confidence in their councils?

I believe that anyone who has the competencies and passion to sit on council has the capacity to contest a city-wide election and gain a seat at council’s table. 

On that basis I’m opposed to all wards including Māori wards. Council has a Māori advisory committee “Ngā Mānukanuka o te Iwi Committee” which has representation from all Iwi, hapu and PSG’s with connection to Napier, they are well positioned to provide Council guidance on matters of interest to Māori. I believe Ngā Mānukanuka o te Iwi Committee should have more independence to question and provide guidance in resolutions to council.

I have publicly expressed that I am against Māori wards.

Only elected City Councillors will sit on decision making Committees if I am Mayor.

Skills and experience, ask candidates where their governance experience was gained and how that experience will contribute to better governance at the council table.

Additionally, you could ask the candidates what they are doing about improving their skills and qualifications, are they part of a governance professional development programme?

You could ask candidates seeking reelection what have they done during their term to improve their governance skills.

This Message is Authorised by Nigel Simpson, Home | Simpson For Napier (simpson-for-napier.co)