The dam debate was also dominated by men, every board in Hawke's Bay, except the DHB, is dominated by men. Business Hawke's Bay doesn't even have one woman board member, neither does Tourism Hawke's Bay.
I do not accept the excuse that has been given to me by businessmen when I raise this question. Instead of pointing out the fact that both these organisations have employed women executives, do something about ensuring the pathway is far more accessible for women in governance and leadership in Hawke's Bay.
Nor do I accept the justification for these boards being all men is that the people who applied with the best skills were appointed.
It has more to do with women not coming forward than not having the skills for the job.
To me this clearly identifies that we all have a responsibility to ensure women are given an equal opportunity to get these appointments as and when they come up. And for that to happen it might well require a different approach.
And then, of course, there is always the fallback position that is so often put up to try to deflect the notion that surely I'm not suggesting a token woman.
So let me make myself very very clear: I don't want to see one woman appointed just because she is a woman, I want to see more and more women appointed and elected because this will improve decision making and bring wider ranging experience, thinking and talent to the table.
And yes, this is because women, if you need it pointed out, come at things very differently to men. Surely having a broader perspective and equal representation is good for decision making?
The Hawke's Bay District Health Board is a stand-out example that shows the real difference women can and do make.
This board has more women than men, and since they have been there the board's performance is now one of the best in the country.
It proves that boards with strong representation of both men and women perform better.
This is also evident at executive and international level where studies have shown that those business boards which had an equal number of women directors were out-performing those that did not.
Just look at all the men leading our councils who, through their boyish behaviour of personal attacks, are not helping themselves. You only have to look at the mayors who are constantly bickering, blaming each other and jockeying for position to see they really are just behaving like little boys throwing sand at each other.
It takes women to change things, and we need to step up and support each other. No matter what side of a debate, political fence or viewpoint we take, we should be doing everything we can to get greater representation not for ourselves but because every organisation that we all have a vested interest in and want to see succeed will perform better. I hope women come out in force and vote in the amalgamation referendum " if we do I believe the right decision will be made in the best interests of the region. I believe women are progressive and willing to tackle the hard decisions and embrace the necessary changes to get Hawke's Bay to the top. Women get the job done.
-Anna Lorck is the Labour Party spokeswoman for Tukituki.
