Resident alleges inequity, goes to rights watchdog over South Hokianga services

South Hokianga resident lodges Human Rights complaint over service delivery.

Claims of disadvantage and a lack of transparency have been levelled in the Far North, with a South Hokianga resident escalating concerns to the Human Rights Commission.

After years of patching footpaths and funding basic maintenance, out of their own pockets, South Hokianga community member Denis Orme said enough is enough.

Orme believes his community has been left behind and has experienced inequitable service delivery from the Far North District Council.

He has filed a complaint with the Human Rights Commissioner, in the hope of getting a resolution.

He said while he and other residents have taken on odd maintenance jobs, it was not fair and was looking for answers.

“I believe the South Hokianga has been a disadvantaged community for a substantial period when compared to other FNDC wards.”

“For me, it’s just about fairness to the community. We just want the services and amenities that other communities enjoy. No other agenda.”

Beyond maintenance, Orme said the area had untapped potential and could be a destination of choice.

“If it had the right amenities like sunshade sails over the barbecue tables, if it had better beach access to the harbour and that sort of thing. The harbour is absolutely beautiful, with some wonderful sand dunes in the background and good access to Tane Mahuta, it could be a really good destination.”

He said relatively simple improvements could support tourism and local jobs.

“If the council could see the opportunity and the opportunity to create employment and economic activity, I think there could be a positive change.”

The lack of service delivery has been felt on the ground, he said.

“We ended up with about 15 different community projects to bring all the footpaths back in line and get the basic services done, because the council was doing none of them.”

Among the work done by volunteers was building and repairing footpaths, painting roadside railings and replacing damaged timbers.

Despite raising concerns with the council, Orme said communication had been limited.

“I haven’t received a response … I received an official response saying they were not going to disclose the upcoming contract, and there has been no communication since then.”

Council group manager for strategic relationships, Jacine Warmington said funding allocation across wards is based on the number of rating units.

“Wards with higher numbers of rating units are allocated more funding based on these units. South Hokianga has fewer rating units than Kaikohe therefore the share of funding to South Hokianga reflects this.”

On claims that residents had been carrying out their own maintenance, she said the council supports community-led initiatives and encourages groups to work with staff, adding that funding was available to community groups.

She said the council welcomed feedback on its Request for Service system and worked with customers who encountered difficulties.

Addressing concerns about delays in delivering long-term plan commitments, Warmington said there are “multiple reasons why projects aren’t delivered” and noted that Orme, as a member of the Kaikohe-Hokianga Community Board, has access to avenues to raise concerns.

“Council staff have made themselves available to discuss specific concerns about project delivery and council processes.”

A Human Rights Commission spokesperson said the watchdog could not comment on individual complaints because of confidentiality but confirmed it provides dispute resolution services for alleged discrimination under the Human Rights Act.

“Due to confidentiality, we are not entitled to give out any information regarding a specific complaint or whether we have received the complaint.”

Orme said he had received acknowledgment of his complaints and in the meantime said the community would continue its work.