‘What is the point of making a submission’

A109 Light Utility Helicopter flight with mayor Gisborne City from the air in November 2023.

Only one theme was expressed by the 101 people out of 148 who said “no” to this week’s webpoll question: “are you intending to make a submission on the council’s 2021-2031 Long-Term Plan?”

The sole sentiment from that 68 percent of voters was the Gisborne District Council takes little notice of public opinion and has its own agenda.

The council’s handling of the Endeavour models question and railway was cited by four people as an example.

What really is the point of making a submission, asked one respondent.

“GDC waste so much money and never listen to rate payers as it is. Take the Endeavour project for example. They went for the consultation and still ignored the wishes expressed by the majority.”

Other respondents on the “no” camp said the council put their spin on submissions and do whatever they want,

“They already know what they are going to do and nothing is going to change that,” said one.

Similarly, another said the council had already decided “what to waste ratepayers money on”.

“And unfortunately it’s not on what most ratepayers want, eg clean water, effective sewage system, quality roads, a tidy and inviting city centre, and to do this in a fiscally responsible manner.

“It’s not rocket science but unfortunately the Mayor, councillors and council staff have become more focused on racial-woke issues than the basics.”

Among the few comments made by the 18 percent (26 votes) who said “yes” was the assertion “Everyone, no matter their age, or amount of rates paid, should submit on the LTP”.

Another commented he or she would be submitting with an organisation.

“With an organisation I’m involved with, it’s always important to have our say.”

One lengthy comment came from the “yes” corner but was critical of the LTP consultation process. “The process was “hugely prescriptive . . . and has placed false expectations in the wider community that this is the place to contribute to democratic decision-making.”

“To genuinely be able to listen to the community the legislation would need to put the emphasis on engagement processes,” said the respondent.

“Shifting the dial and enabling much greater ability for people to be participants in influencing outcomes would require a transformation in the way that local government works.”

The sole comment left by one of the 21 (14 percent) of people who were undecided repeated the theme expressed by those who said “no”.