Getting Up Close and Personal

It's official! And I'm excited!

The Local Government Commission has made its determination on the representation structure for the Christchurch City Council ahead of the up-coming local body elections, and they have endorsed the City Council's recommendations (with a few boundary amendments).  A full copy of the report is here, but the essence is:

1 Mayor
16 Councillors
Elected from 16 individual member wards
7 Community Boards.

Supporters of a stronger democracy in Christchurch can breathe a sigh of relief. This is a dramatic improvement on the current model, for little overall difference in cost (a significant issue to a number of Christchurch residents).  It bring smaller wards, with single member representation. There are 16 councillors, not 13.  Taken together, these mean that it will be easier for Councillors to connect with their constituents; and much easier for their constituents to hold them to account: to get 'Up Close and Personal'.

I had initially preferred the 19 Councillor/ 19 Ward/ 8 Community Board model. I felt it was more democratic still. However, many people were fixated on the increased costs of this model, at a time when the Council was struggling to balance its books. For me, it was a hard decision, as I don't believe we can put a price on democracy.   However, finally I came down on the side of the new proposal, for the core reason that it is far better than the current one; and (as I noted) it is essentially cost neutral.

I've waited with some trepidation, as there were still those who wanted to maintain (or even further curtail!) the current inadequate system; and they had raised a number of objections.  But those objections have been set aside.  We have our new system!

A better structure is in place.  Now it's time to ensure we elect quality Councillors and Community Board members who can show they know how to listen to their people and empower their communities.  That's what local body politics should be about. And that's what I believe we can achieve.

And that's why I'm excited.