What voters and candidates must know before local elections

With local elections on the horizon, Kate Adams calls for fresh faces, deeper integrity, and stronger community engagement from
councillors

With local elections coming up in October, I am sure that there are some people considering putting their hand up to become councillors, or even standing for the mayoral position.

We will have four general ward councillors (two town, two rural) and three Māori ward councillors to vote for this year.

With a couple of councillors having spent a long time in their positions, I think it would be great to have some new blood in the mix to keep the running of the Ōpōtiki district fresh and relevant.

It would be good to have a more diverse mix in council to reflect our community. For example, there is only one woman on council currently – that seems ridiculously unrepresentative.

I think it’s super important to talk about what is expected of our elected councillors. Basically, councillors have to attend meetings, make smart decisions, and be upfront about things. Showing up at all their meetings is a huge part of a councillor’s commitment to their position. It’s all about being part of the discussions, workshopping, making decisions, and putting policies into action that affect the people they represent.

It is disappointing that there are some councillors who have not attended the meetings they are required to attend, including workshops, sub-committees and community committees they are assigned to at the beginning of the term – all necessary parts of the job they have taken on.

If councillors are too ill to attend meetings regularly, they should consider resigning. Although being sick is understandable, missing loads of meetings can mess up how the council works. In these cases, stepping down would be better for the community.

It also shows the councillor cares about the community’s needs over their own situation.

Turning up to just 28 percent of workshops is just not on, as was the case with one councillor.

The election process is not a popularity contest. Voters need to think about the people who are standing, which ones have the ability to be able to look at issues from a helicopter point of view – seeing what is good for all different parts of the community, not just considering their small group of pals, or their own agendas.

Candidates need to have realistic expectations about their ability to make changes in the council. Thinking they can instantly change everything is misguided. There are many restrictions, mainly from central government, and long processes to follow to make any change. Understanding these limits helps avoid frustration and inappropriate decisions once elected.

I’d expect anyone who is intending to be a candidate for mayor would have spent at least one term, preferably more, working in council so they know the processes and requirements well.

You wouldn’t let an apprentice mechanic overhaul your car, would you? And we all know from current prime ministers and presidents that merely being a “business person” is not a great recipe for success.

Those wanting to stand for councillor positions should really do their homework and find out what is actually required for the role.

Have candidates ever watched or been present at any council meetings?

Have the candidates researched online what is expected of elected members of council?

Do the candidates have a good understanding of the parameters they can actually effect change in, instead of wading in and wanting to randomly change everything immediately?

I’d also expect our councillors to declare conflicts of interest and stay out of voting or discussions if they have a financial stake or any other involvement in the issue.

This is vital for keeping councillors’ decision-making ethical and transparent. In the past, conflicts of interest have not been declared and councillors have voted on things that they had a pecuniary interest in – to most people that would be considered corruption. Being upfront about interests helps prevent accusations of corruption and maintains trust in the council.

Not only can there be pecuniary conflict, but more importantly to our community there is the perceived conflict of interest, which each councillor must be mindful of.

It’s a clear reminder that councillors need to be honest about their interests to keep the council’s integrity intact, so the community can trust the decisions made.

Unfortunately, many locals have become cynical of the decisions being made because of this lack of transparency.

Councillors really should be visible throughout their term as well, not just around election time when they’re canvassing for votes.

I have heard from a lot of locals who say they haven’t seen the councillors out and about enough.

Who are they exactly? Where are they? They should be attending local events, asking questions, meeting their constituents, finding out what’s going on in all areas, what’s new, what needs improvement or change and be visible.

Just turning up to a few council-organised “meet and greets” just doesn’t cut it.

It’s not enough for councillors to simply make decisions from behind closed doors; they need to be actively engaged with the people they serve. How can councillors or mayor advocate for their constituents if they are not visible and approachable?

Being in touch with the community ensures that they are not only aware of the issues, but are also seen as accessible and responsive leaders.

The mayor, in particular, needs be able to advocate for the Ōpōtiki District on the national stage, not just concentrate on local issues.

I remember last election one mayoral candidate was campaigning about the cigarette ends on the main drag – sure this is an issue, but a mayor should really be working on more important things. Advocacy at regional and national level makes up a third of a mayor’s role.

Mayor John Forbes was a great example for his work fighting to put Ōpōtiki out there in the national line of sight. We shouldn’t have a mayor that stays at home and fulfils only the very basic requirements of the role, but one who puts his/her elected position where his/her mouth is and actively goes into battle for our district at those higher levels.

And while we’re at it, I think that no matter what previous experience, a mayor should first and foremost be approachable and accessible – a people person.

So, if you’re intending to stand for election, be aware that councillors play a huge role in local governance. Attending meetings, making informed decisions based on honest engagement with the community, and declaring conflicts of interest are essential for keeping everything accountable and transparent.

As the local elections get closer, it’s important for candidates to prepare for their responsibilities. Going to meetings, understanding the role, and having realistic expectations are key.

Councillors need to put the community’s needs first and be ethical to ensure the council’s integrity.

This way, they contribute to a transparent, accountable, and effective local government that serves the best interests of everyone, not just a few.

Ōpōtiki District Council has some important resources available. Any potential candidates should make a point of reading them before throwing their hat in to the ring.

www.odc.govt.nz/our-council/elections