Mawera Karetai

There seems to be so much misunderstanding in our community about the very different roles of mayor/councillors, and the chief executive of councils. I hope to offer some clarity in this letter.

Councillors are responsible for governance. Governance is the framework of rules, processes, and practices by which an organisation is directed, controlled, and held accountable.

Councillors set the “what” and “why” in terms of vision, policy, and priorities for the district.

The chief executive is responsible for the “how,” managing the implementation of council decisions. They do this by leading the staff and ensuring the smooth operation of council services.

The mayor/councillors employ, and are responsible for the chief executive.

The chief executive employs, and is responsible for the staff.

The mayor and councillors don't get to interfere with the day-to-day work of council staff.

This clear division of roles is fundamental to the functioning of New Zealand’s local government system. The division allows elected members to focus on representing the community and setting direction, while the chief executive ensures those directions are carried out efficiently and lawfully.

The mayor and councillors, like all the rest of us (including those of us on the Māori roll), get one vote. If the mayor and councillors, like all the rest of us, want change they must get others on council to join them in agreeing to that change.

Over the years, I've watched so many people go into council making promises about all the changes they'll make. By the end of the first term, they've usually unintentionally broken their promises, which leads to their supporters feeling cynical about democracy.

Anyone who goes into an election promising anything at all is showing, at best, a lack of understanding of the role, and, at worst, is intentionally misleading voters.

In fact, I'd go as far as saying we should all think carefully about voting for anyone making promises to change anything.

Look for the people who can work with others to manage change, and please look at the change they are promoting through a best-for-the-whole-district lens. We deserve people who are strong in relationship building, and not prone to being obstructive for their own selfish ends and agenda.

Lastly, if any candidates are saying climate change is not real, or not something to worry about, this should serve as the biggest warning of all.