Editorial: Complaints need to be heard

Earlier in the week Hawke's Bay Today revealed that the mayor Peter Butler had written to local tradies asking them to come forward to him with any complaints they had. Photo / Paul Taylor

There is quite a spat brewing in Central Hawke's Bay.

Builders have been quietly complaining about their dealings with the council for some time.

But as is often the case in a small community, no one wants to stick their head above the parapet.

Things came to a head yesterday when people walked out of a Central Hawke's Bay District Council meeting.

The discussion about the council's Building Consent Authority fired up before it was quickly shut down.

Earlier in the week Hawke's Bay Today revealed that the mayor Peter Butler had written to local tradies asking them to come forward to him with any complaints they had.

Mr Butler should be commended for taking the matter in hand so he could hear the complaints - if there were any - for himself.

But, it is unrealistic to assume that no forthcoming complaints means everyone is happy.

Tradies spoke to this paper in confidence about their issues with one saying it was becoming "too hard' to work in the district - so he was looking for work elsewhere.

They would not be named as they feared there would be ramifications for speaking out about the council.

This is concerning. People need to have confidence in their councils.

It is reasonable to expect that their concerns will be heard, they will be treated fairly and if action is needed it is taken.

Clearly, something is wrong if people are scared to speak out.

Development helps keep the wheels of the local economy turning, so it is paramount that building consents are processed quickly.

A full and frank discussion needs to be had about how matters can be resolved.