It was like dogs with well-gnawed, gnarly bones when three Local Government Representation Commissioners held a review hearing mid-month over whether a rural ward should be established by South Wairarapa District Council.
Farmers Jim Hedley, Jenny Boyd and Dan Riddiford were calling for a rural ward to ensure a rural voice could be heard at the council table.
The proposal for a rural ward had earlier been ruled out by council after the plan gained only minority support across the district – with just one percent (1%) of ratepayers signing a petition in favour. Council is proposing a rural and coastal advisory group instead.
At the representation hearing, rural ward advocates argued;
- rural is different from urban;
- urban votes dominate the council – with one-third of voters who live rurally effectively having no voice at the main table;
- rural voters are not “legally or responsibly represented” under the present structure;
- a proposal for a “rural and coastal advisory group” was not an acceptable alternative to a formal rural ward which would grant a “seat at the decision-making table;”
- the district’s newly-minted Maori ward shows the rural community also needs a full ward voice.
Dairy farmer Jim Hedley told the three commissioners “rural is a community on its own,” but is outvoted as urban councillors “look after their urban vote.”
He went further: “Council decisions show rural is not part of South Wairarapa.”
Sheep farmer Jenny Boyd claimed rural ratepayers “are left with virtually no representation,” and that “rural ratepayers are charged the Lion’s share of the rates bill.”
Earlier Hedley told the hearing while urban Featherston ratepayers are charged $800-odd per rating period, dairy farmers pay $5,800 for the same period and access many fewer council services.
Fifth generation Te Awhaiti farmer Dan Riddiford said the issue “is a matter of real democracy,” and that population shifts in recent years “mean we (rural ratepayers) no longer have a voice.”
The petition of rural dwellers with 129 signatures was seen by the council “as not enough to mandate a change in representation,” he said.
But, “if we are to have real, daily democracy then we need to be listening to all those groups and communities” which make up the district.
“I’m arguing strongly that the livestock business … after five generations is a culture, and very valuable culture that must be preserved rather than gerrymandered and maneuvered out of existence.”
Both Riddiford and Hedley noted that they had “never been invited” to any council workshop where councillors and ratepayers discuss issues.
Mayor Martin Connelly told Commissioners “this was a council keen to look seriously at alternatives – one of the reasons we ended up with a Maori ward for the upcoming elections.
“We have put in a lot of thought as to whether we could do it (representation) better or differently.”
But, “the mandate was not there.” The present council “has three councillors who regard themselves as rural councillors.”
Commissioners asked for details of the proposed “rural and coastal advisory group” the council was seeking to establish, its role and whether it would be able to offer ideas and proposals – or simply wait to be asked for input.
“What’s the surety they can come to a meeting and engage?” Commissioner Brendan Duffy asked.
“Without being invited,” added Commissioner Bonita Bingham.
Connelly said the policy proposal was still “work in progress, we have yet to press the creation button.”
But, he added, South Wairarapa communities always put forward suggestions, whether they were asked for – or not.
The Commissioners decision/advice was reserved for a formal report.
